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
Synonyms
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
So Newton theorized that, were a cannonball to be fired horizontally from a high enough mountaintop where the air is thin, and with enough velocity, then the curve of the cannonball downward under gravity would match the curvature of Earth.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025
The execution here depends on the complex intertwining of software and logistics — the ability to calculate and obtain the precise curvature of each of over 1,500 components, preinstall the steel connections, prebuild large chunks, then ship those to the site for final assembly.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
Because of this curvature, both scales are visible without crowding the dial, which boasts a date wheel for modern convenience.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
That includes the geometry of the scooter, things like stem angle, trailing distance, ergonomics, and the angle and curvature of the handlebars.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curvature 
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Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025
The execution here depends on the complex intertwining of software and logistics — the ability to calculate and obtain the precise curvature of each of over 1,500 components, preinstall the steel connections, prebuild large chunks, then ship those to the site for final assembly.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
Because of this curvature, both scales are visible without crowding the dial, which boasts a date wheel for modern convenience.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
That includes the geometry of the scooter, things like stem angle, trailing distance, ergonomics, and the angle and curvature of the handlebars.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curvature
Dictionary Entries Near curvature
Cite this Entry
“Curvature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curvature. Accessed 2 Feb. 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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