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
Golfers will have to know their swing speed, while also providing their handicap index, and answering questions about ball flight trajectory, tempo and transition, the general curvature of their tee shots with a driver, and the flex of the shaft in their current driver.
—
Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The greater the mass, the more extreme the curvature of space-time, and the stronger the influence of gravity.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Ory’s favorite detail is the curvature that carries from the 62-inch plaster hood into the J'adore quartzite.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
Another benefit: The 40-degree curvature lifts the lashes from the roots to the tips and reaches every hair from the beginning to the end of the lash line.
—Anna Bader, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
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Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The greater the mass, the more extreme the curvature of space-time, and the stronger the influence of gravity.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Ory’s favorite detail is the curvature that carries from the 62-inch plaster hood into the J'adore quartzite.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
Another benefit: The 40-degree curvature lifts the lashes from the roots to the tips and reaches every hair from the beginning to the end of the lash line.
—Anna Bader, Glamour, 12 Mar. 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 10 Apr. 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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