Meaning & Definition of word "Curvature"
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.