curve (kɜːv
)
Definitions
noun
- a continuously bending line that has no straight parts
- something that curves or is curved, such as a bend in a road or the contour of a woman's body
- the act or extent of curving; curvature
- mathematics
- a system of points whose coordinates satisfy a given equation; a locus of points
- the graph of a function with one independent variable
- a line representing data, esp statistical data, on a graph ⇒
an unemployment curve
- See ahead of the curve
- See behind the curve
- short for French curve
verb
- to take or cause to take the shape or path of a curve; bend
related adjective
sinuous
Alternative Forms
curvedly (ˈkɜːvɪdlɪ) adverb ˈcurvedness noun ˈcurvy adjective Word Origin
C15: from Latin curvāre to bend, from curvus crookedUsage examples
Turner had made it to the Night Watch, was now hidden by the curve of the hull.
, Cormorant (1994)Curved tubes tend to straighten as the pressure inside is increased and to curve back again as it is decreased.
New Scientist (1999)It's really important for them to stay ahead of the curve to keep their lead.
Globe and Mail (2004)Roll up, roll up There has been something of a steep learning curve for Pepys the Elder in the matter of running an auction.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Compare the marine curve to figure 2.4 after Sepkoski, 1993. The dotted curve is the calculated exponential rise in diversity.
, EXTINCTION: Evolution and the End of Man (2002)