ENGLISH
REFERENCE

curvature

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɝvətʃɝ// UK //kˈɜːvətʃɐ// cur·va·ture

n. the degree to which something is curved or bent. You use this to describe the shape of a line or a surface.

n. the degree or amount of bending in a line, surface, or solid object. Often used in technical contexts to measure the deviation from a flat or straight state.


SIMPLE

The curvature of the road makes it dangerous to drive fast.

CONTEXTUAL

Engineers must carefully calculate the curvature of the bridge to ensure it can support the weight of heavy traffic.

COMPLEX

From a high altitude, the subtle curvature of the Earth becomes visible against the darkness of space, proving the planet is not a flat plane.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin curvare, from Latin curvatura. See also curve. Displaced native Old English ġebīeġednes.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general property of being curved; countable when referring to a specific mathematical value or instance.

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