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Definition of curve
archaic
: bent or formed into a curve
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of curve
Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round
curve
Definition of curve
curved
;curving
intransitive verb
: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity
transitive verb
1 : to cause to curve
2 : to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3 : to grade (something, such as an examination) on a curve
Examples of curve in a Sentence
The tail curves over the dog's back.
The road curves to the left.
The fence curves in toward the side of the house.
The railing curves out near the observation platform.
Recent Examples of curve from the Web
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With one out and runners on first and second, Beavers' leadoff hitter center fielder Steven Kwan sliced a curving ball in the air toward the left field foul pole.
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The Leelanau County Poor Farm barn stands alone in a field of dandelions and grass, just off a narrow, winding highway that passes through the family farms and softly curving green hills of the Leelanau Peninsula on the western side of the state.
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This serving niche is set off by its materials — black granite over a curving stainless steel base.
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We were immediately struck by the extensive, complex, anastomosing system of internal channels and branches present deep inside the premaxillae and maxillae, snaking and curving around the tooth roots.
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A mobile backstop curved behind home plate, near metal bats.
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During his playing days, David Beckham was known for his bending free kicks, which curved around obstacles and regularly landed in the back of the net.
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Big music with big ideas has been U2’s stock in trade for three-plus–decades, and things did indeed go jumbo as the action moved to the main stage with a curving 200-by-45-foot screen.
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After curving around the bend onto Canal Street and back under I-10, drivers will turn left and follow Claiborne all the way down to Texas Street, a run uninterrupted by lights, stop signs or cross traffic.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curve'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of curve
Latin curvare, from curvus
curve
Definition of curve
1a : a line especially when curved: such as (1) : the path of a moving point (2) : a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameterb : the graph of a variable
2 : something curved: such asa : a curving line of the human bodyb curves plural : parenthesis
4 : a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement
5 : trend a growth curve in advertising revenues; especially : a prevalent trend or rate of progress —often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies
Examples of curve in a Sentence
The dog's tail has a slight curve.
There is a sharp curve coming up in the road.
the price curve in relation to inflation
Recent Examples of curve from the Web
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There’s also a huge learning curve as this tech continues to evolve—even for the talent—as most have never shot in VR, which requires a certain amount of instruction and parameters.
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Even for Elish — an All-American who played at the highest levels of travel ball, was Miss Softball as a senior with the Bulldogs and won Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year three times — there was a learning curve.
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Thurman, then a pitcher for the Carolina Mudcats of the Single-A Carolina League, was on a bus headed to a game in Myrtle Beach, S.C. when the driver misjudged her speed and missed a curve in the road.
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The curve of the ribs makes displacing the air in the Stasher a bit tricky—
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In fact, University of Wisconsin Law School alumni owe about $34,200 less than an average law school graduate. Repaying this while earning near-average starting salaries put these graduates ahead of the curve on law school debt. 10.
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Also, repeated trips around the curves by traffic and trash haulers push ruts and bumps into the asphalt’s surface.
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One curve ball for the program could come from Daphne, where city officials have talked of establishing an independent school system.
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This will require a steep downward curve from our present level.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curve'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of curve
1666
CURVE Defined for English Language Learners
curve
Definition of curve for English Language Learners
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: to form a curve : to turn or change from a straight line, shape, or path to a smooth, rounded one
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: to cause (something) to form a curve
curve
Definition of curve for English Language Learners
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: a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc.
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: a curved line on a graph that shows how something changes or is affected by one or more conditions
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: a curving line or shape of the human body and especially of a woman's body
CURVE Defined for Kids
Definition of curve for Students
curved
;curving
: to turn or cause to turn from a straight line or course The road curved to the left.
Definition of curve for Students
1 : a smooth rounded line or surface Slow down! There's a curve in the road.
2 : something having a somewhat round shape the curves of the body
3 : a ball thrown so that it moves away from a straight course
Learn More about curve
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See words that rhyme with curve Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for curve Spanish Central: Translation of curve Nglish: Translation of curve for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of curve for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curve
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