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
Fuller suffered from a curvature of the spine, which made her slouch, and from myopia, which made her squint.
—
James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Through the capsule’s large panoramic windows, the crew will see the planet's curvature and the stark contrast between the bright blue atmosphere and the blackness of space.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 30 May 2025
According to this theory, clumps of matter or energy curve the space-time fabric toward themselves, and this curvature induces the force of gravity.
—Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 27 May 2025
While still maintaining their similar shapes and curvatures, the design and styling are second to none in the commuter under $30K category.
—Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
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James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Through the capsule’s large panoramic windows, the crew will see the planet's curvature and the stark contrast between the bright blue atmosphere and the blackness of space.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 30 May 2025
According to this theory, clumps of matter or energy curve the space-time fabric toward themselves, and this curvature induces the force of gravity.
—Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 27 May 2025
While still maintaining their similar shapes and curvatures, the design and styling are second to none in the commuter under $30K category.
—Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 17 May 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 6 Jun. 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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