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
The curvatures and sleekness of the XC60 are unlike no other SUV in today’s market.
—
Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025
Photograph: Kieran Alger Recent shoes, like the Adidas Adios Pro 4, have experimented with the position and curvature—or the rockering—of the midsoles in a bid to roll runners into a more efficient gait.
—Kieran Alger, Wired News, 7 May 2025
Each spaceflight lasts about 11 minutes from liftoff to capsule touchdown, allowing up to six people to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get a view of Earth's curvature.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Like its predecessors, the Grand Bank 62 features the company’s V-Warp Technology hull, which mates a razor-like entry at the bow with graceful curvature amidships and minimal deadrise at the transom.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
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Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025
Photograph: Kieran Alger Recent shoes, like the Adidas Adios Pro 4, have experimented with the position and curvature—or the rockering—of the midsoles in a bid to roll runners into a more efficient gait.
—Kieran Alger, Wired News, 7 May 2025
Each spaceflight lasts about 11 minutes from liftoff to capsule touchdown, allowing up to six people to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get a view of Earth's curvature.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Like its predecessors, the Grand Bank 62 features the company’s V-Warp Technology hull, which mates a razor-like entry at the bow with graceful curvature amidships and minimal deadrise at the transom.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 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 18 May. 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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