curvilinear

adjective

cur·​vi·​lin·​ear ˌkər-və-ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce curvilinear (audio)
1
: consisting of or bounded by curved lines : represented by a curved line
2
: marked by flowing tracery
curvilinear Gothic
curvilinearity noun

Examples of curvilinear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It was followed, in 1975, by the worm, just red letters, a sleek, curvilinear, futuristic logo. Robert Sullivan, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023 Modern Classics The curvilinear shapes of season’s past have made room for more boxy silhouettes to stand out this fall. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 The entire level unfolds into impressive outdoor entertainment spaces that incorporate two zero-edge pools—one partially covered by the curvilinear roof overhang—an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, and a spa. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2023 Past the foyer and bar lies an airy casino with curvilinear walls. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2023 This method allowed for a curvilinear tile shape that followed the contours of the caregivers and children depicted in the images, said Christine Jetten, a Dutch ceramicist who has done restoration work for the manufacturer of the Sea View ornaments. John Freeman Gill, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2023 Painted directly onto the second-floor wall at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the 17-line, curvilinear poem is about fruit trees that are out of sight and forgotten. Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Sep. 2023 Natural wood accents imbue warmth, while curvilinear shelving and armrests underscore Osaka’s eye for the contemporary. Nick Remsen, Vogue, 12 July 2023 Marino At the heart of the building is a glamorous, curvilinear, Elsa Peretti–inspired staircase in cerused oak with an undulating glass balustrade studded with rock crystal that winds from floors three through eight. Jill Newman, ELLE Decor, 29 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curvilinear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin curvus + linea line

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curvilinear was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near curvilinear

Cite this Entry

“Curvilinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curvilinear. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

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