Meaning & Definition of word "Curvature"
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Curvature
/ˈkɜːrvəˌtʃʊr/
noun:
- 1. The state of being curved or the degree to which something is curved.
- Example: The curvature of the Earth's surface affects satellite communications.
- 2. A measure of how much a curve deviates from being a straight line.
- Example: In geometry, the curvature of a circle is constant and defined by the radius.
- 3. The curvature of a lens determines how it focuses light.
- Example: The optometrist evaluated the curvature of my cornea to adjust my contact lenses.
- 4. The bending or bowing of a string in music, affecting the pitch.
- Example: The curvature of the violin string influences the tonal quality it produces.
Etymology
From Middle English 'curvature', from Latin 'curvatura', from 'curvare' meaning 'to bend'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
curvature of space:
A concept in physics describing how gravity affects the shape of space.
positive curvature:
A type of curvature where a surface curves outward like a sphere.
negative curvature:
A type of curvature where a surface curves inward like a saddle.
Related Words
curve:
A continuous and smooth bend in a line.
arc:
A part of the circumference of a circle.
bend:
To shape or force (something straight) into a curve or angle.
Slang Meanings of curvature
Meaning: Curvy
Example Sentence: She's got a curvy figure that turns heads.
Meaning: Curveball
Example Sentence: Life threw me a curveball when I got that job offer.