radius of curvature

noun

, Mathematics.

1. the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature at a point on a curve.

radius of curvature

noun

1. the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature of a curve at a given point; the radius of a circle the curvature of which is equal to that of the given curve at that point See also centre of curvature

Word History and Origins

Origin of radius of curvature¹

First recorded in 1745–55