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

• 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

Those fluctuations should be 100% adiabatic (of constant entropy) and not isocurvature (of the same spatial curvature) in nature. —Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025

As first predicted by Albert Einstein, gravitational lensing occurs when a massive celestial body causes a sufficient curvature of space-time for the path of light around it to be visibly bent, as if by a lens. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

Engage the core to help keep the lower spine curvature neutral and not rounded or slouched. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025

The screen’s bulk and curvature strain outward to encroach upon viewers, who watch from tiered bleachers enclosed on three sides by a chain-link fence. —Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, 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