curvature

[ kur-vuh-cher, -choor ]

noun

1. the act of curving or the state of being curved.
2. a curved condition, often abnormal:

   curvature of the spine.

3. the degree of curving of a line or surface.
4. Geometry.
   1. (at a point on a curve) the derivative of the inclination of the tangent with respect to arc length.
   2. the absolute value of this derivative.
5. something curved.

curvature

/ ˈkɜːvətʃə /

noun

1. something curved or a curved part of a thing
2. any normal or abnormal curving of a bodily part

   curvature of the spine

3. geometry the change in inclination of a tangent to a curve over unit length of arc. For a circle or sphere it is the reciprocal of the radius See also radius of curvature centre of curvature
4. the act of curving or the state or degree of being curved or bent

Word History and Origins

Origin of curvature¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin curvātūra, equivalent to curvāt ( us ) past participle of curvāre to bend, curve + -ūra -ure. See -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Other defining characteristics include its distinct curvature and the fact that it could move around -- seen by trace fossils in the surrounding area.

From Science Daily

Glover, who is partially sighted and has a congenital heart defect and curvature of the spine, marches on despite blisters all over her feet.

From BBC

A mirror inside captures your reflection in its familiar curvature, and, of course, you pull out your phone to take a picture — because when have you ever seen a butt plug-shaped dressing room before?

From Los Angeles Times

Lo and behold, Hernández learned his right eye had astigmatism, a condition caused by imperfections in the curvature of the eye that can result in blurred vision.

From Los Angeles Times

But in later stages, the top keeps its curvature while the bottom flattens.

From Science Daily