curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce curvature (audio)
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
: the act of curving : the state of being curved
2
: a measure or amount of curving
specifically : the rate of change of the angle through which the tangent to a curve turns in moving along the curve and which for a circle is equal to the reciprocal of the radius
3
a
: an abnormal curving (as of the spine)
b
: a curved surface of an organ

Example Sentences

The lenses have different curvatures. the curvature of the earth The machine measures the eyeball's degree of curvature. a disease that can cause curvature of the spine
Recent Examples on the Web For a touch of elegance, the hands and indexes come in 18-karat gold, while the dial is slightly domed to match the curvature of the earth. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 17 May 2023 The image is bright with good contrast and only a small amount of noticeable field curvature and flaring at the edges. Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 In this powder room designed by Studio DB, the mirror complements the curvature of the countertop. Kate Mcgregor, House Beautiful, 10 May 2023 With a blond wooden base and sleek metal curvature, this candle warmer lamp is a gorgeous way to skip the fire hazard while still getting all the benefits of your candles. Alanna Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2023 Furthermore, the curvature of the Earth plays into some of the limitations of radar technology. Isabella Fertel, USA TODAY, 8 May 2023 On its climb, the video showed the curvature of the Earth, but without stage separation, Starship was not going to make it to space, which would have needed to be at least 62 miles altitude. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2023 Meanwhile, Casablanca’s lineup gave the style a bolder look with exaggerated curvatures and bright hues of yellow and blue. Frances Solá-santiago, refinery29.com, 19 Apr. 2023 What makes a hybrid eclipse unique Otherwise known as an annular-total eclipse, a hybrid eclipse is a function of Earth’s curvature and the event’s path. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 19 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curvature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curvature was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near curvature

Cite this Entry

“Curvature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curvature. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

curvature

noun
cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce curvature (audio)
-chər
1
: the act of curving : the state of being curved
2
: an abnormal curving
curvature of the spine

Medical Definition

curvature

noun
1
: an abnormal curving (as of the spine) see kyphosis, scoliosis
2
: a curved surface of an organ (as the stomach) see greater curvature, lesser curvature

More from Merriam-Webster on curvature

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