curvature
noun
cur·va·ture
ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇r 
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
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
Its exquisite exterior curvatures are a match for no other as Range Rover delivers royalty to all consumers.
—
Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
The custom rug by Sacco Carpet mirrors the curvature of the ceiling.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Known as general relativity, this theory flipped the table on physics by suggesting gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime generated by objects with mass.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Keeping the natural curvature of your spine, lift both legs up into a tabletop position (knees and hips bent at 90 degrees).
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
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Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
The custom rug by Sacco Carpet mirrors the curvature of the ceiling.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Known as general relativity, this theory flipped the table on physics by suggesting gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime generated by objects with mass.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Keeping the natural curvature of your spine, lift both legs up into a tabletop position (knees and hips bent at 90 degrees).
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
Cite this Entry
“Curvature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curvature. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
2
: a curved surface of an organ (as the stomach) see greater curvature, lesser curvature
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