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

Gravity arises from this warping, meaning the larger the mass, the greater the curvature of spacetime and the stronger the gravitational influence. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 June 2026

Keratoconus often causes high degrees of irregular astigmatism, which is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea that leads to blurry vision. —Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

There are hardly any flat architectural surfaces, and NAUSICAÄ is shaped by curvatures and louvred details. —Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Gaming Monitor Deals This 32-inch LG UltraGear curved gaming monitor features a steep, immersive 1000R curvature matching the human field of view. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 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