curvature
curvature Lexical Profile
curvature Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The fact of being curved or the degree to which something is curved.
"Sailors on the open ocean can observe the curvature of the Earth as ships disappear hull-first over the horizon."
In mathematics and physics, the rate at which a curve or surface deviates from a straight line or a flat plane at any given point.
"Einstein's general theory of relativity describes gravity not as a traditional force, but as a consequence of the curvature of spacetime."
In medicine and anatomy, a normal or abnormal bending of a bodily structure, especially the spine.
"The physical therapist prescribed targeted exercises to prevent the abnormal curvature of the patient's spine from worsening."
• Rhymes for curvature
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French courbature or directly from Latin curvatura ('a bending, curving'), derived from curvare ('to bend') and curvus ('crooked, bent').