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.
The theory, known as cosmic inflation, has been used to explain the universe’s flat geometry and lack of curvature, and as a possible reason for how some of the largest structures in the universe — galaxies and clusters of galaxies, for instance — came to be. Denise Chow, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025 Slim-fit: Made for workout gear, slim-fit jackets offer the same hip and shoulder cuts but have more curvature in the torso area. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 The evolution of that early interest later informed his interest in the physics of flight and the significance of the curvature of a plane’s wings, both of which are key components in the case defending his accomplishments. Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025 Take the Ariana Grande x Swarovski Drop Earrings, for instance — whose curvature almost resembles that of shell spirals. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 28 Jan. 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 10 Mar. 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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