curve
curve Lexical Profile
curve Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A line or outline that gradually deviates from being straight for some or all of its length.
"The driver slowed down as the mountain road approached a sharp curve."
A continuous line on a graph representing how a mathematical quantity or statistical trend changes over time or in relation to another variable.
"The economists analyzed the supply and demand curves to predict future market prices."
North American In baseball, a pitch delivered with heavy spin that causes the ball to swerve downward and sideways as it approaches the batter; also used figuratively for an unexpected trick or complication.
"The pitcher struck out the final batter with a breaking curve on the outside corner."
• verb
To form or cause to form a smooth, rounded bend; to move along a smoothly bending path.
"The river curves gently around the base of the wooded hills."
North American To adjust academic grades so that the overall distribution approximates a predetermined statistical curve.
"Because the physics exam was unusually difficult, the professor decided to curve the final scores."
• Rhymes for curve
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin curvare ('to bend'), derived from curvus ('bent, crooked'), which traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)ker- ('to turn, bend').