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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When ordinary matter or light rides this curvature, its motion is impacted. Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 June 2025 And what works is just Newton’s law of gravity, not the full apparatus of Einstein’s theory, where gravity is equivalent to the curvature of space-time. George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 13 June 2025 Now, Enoch can examine ink at a microscopic level through its curvature (called textural) and character shapes (called allographic). Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025 The emotional toll is significant, and that's why care should be holistic—not just focused on the curvature, but on the whole person. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for curvature

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curvature was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curvature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curvature. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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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