ENGLISH
REFERENCE

convex

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɑnˌvɛks// UK //kɒnvˈɛks// con·vex

adj. curved outward like the surface of a ball or the back of a spoon. You use this to describe shapes that bulge toward you.

adj. having a surface that curves outward rather than inward. Often contrasted with 'concave' in geometry and optics.


SIMPLE

The back of a spoon has a convex shape.

CONTEXTUAL

Security mirrors in shops are usually convex to provide a wider field of vision for the staff.

COMPLEX

The architect designed the building with a massive convex glass wall that reflects the surrounding skyline in a distorted, panoramic arc.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French convexe, from Latin convexus (“arched”).

Usage

Typically used to describe physical surfaces, lenses, or mathematical curves.

Pitfall

a convex mirror curves inwarda convex mirror curves outwardLearners frequently confuse 'convex' (curving out) with 'concave' (curving in like a cave).

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