English Dictionary

Definition of “curvature

curvature (ˈkɜːvətʃəPronunciation for curvature

Definitions

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

Usage examples

  • He crouched, eyes fixed on the flatness, desperately ignoring the curvature beyond.
    Davis, John Gordon, Seize the Reckless Wind (1985)
  • All parts of a spherical mirror have the same curvature , making them easier and cheaper to make.
    New Scientist (1999)
  • She has diabetes and has long been in constant pain from scolioses, or curvature of the spine.
    The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2005)
  • Saws are acoustic (ultrasound) waves that travel along the surface of an object, following its curvature.
    Times, Sunday Times (2004)
  • The eye is made to fly like a witch over the curvature of fields towards Westwood.
    Richardson, Alan, Priestess - the life and magic of Dion Fortune (1987)

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