curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇r 

-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

Synonyms of curvature

• curve
• bend
• angle

Examples of curvature in a Sentence

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

Its curvature is translated into an oversized shield silhouette with a forward cut-out construction that feels both technical and architectural. —Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026

Normally, shipping traffic tends to move directly from point A to point B, allowing for the curvature of the Earth and any obstacles along the way. —David Szondy february 15, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026

The tool shows clear signs of rotary motion, including fine circular wear patterns known as striations, rounded edges, and a distinctive curvature at the working end. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026

After years of toil, the mathematicians — using a combination of pen-and-paper techniques and computational experiments — figured out how to adjust Darboux’s formulas so that the curvature lines would close up. —Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curvature

• center of curvature
• radius of curvature

Kids Definition

curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: the act of curving : the state of being curved

2

: an abnormal curving

curvature of the spine

Medical Definition

curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

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