curvature
noun
cur·va·ture
ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇r 
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
2
: a measure or amount of curving
specifically
: the rate of change of the angle through which the tangent to a curve turns in moving along the curve and which for a circle is equal to the reciprocal of the radius
3
a
: an abnormal curving (as of the spine)
b
: a curved surface of an organ
Examples of curvature in a Sentence
The lenses have different curvatures.
the curvature of the earth
The machine measures the eyeball's degree of curvature.
a disease that can cause curvature of the spine
Recent Examples on the Web
Einstein’s theory of relativity states that gravity, a fundamental force of attraction, is the curvature of space-time itself.
—
Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
His work suggested the curvature of these markings could reveal which direction a rupture had traveled.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Conditions once deemed untreatable—complex fractures, spinal tumors, and deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (forward curvature), or excessive lordosis (backward curvature)—are now manageable, even life-saving.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Space-time quantities like position, curvature and duration might be useless for describing a singularity.
—Charlie Wood, Wired News, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
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Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
His work suggested the curvature of these markings could reveal which direction a rupture had traveled.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Conditions once deemed untreatable—complex fractures, spinal tumors, and deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (forward curvature), or excessive lordosis (backward curvature)—are now manageable, even life-saving.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Space-time quantities like position, curvature and duration might be useless for describing a singularity.
—Charlie Wood, Wired News, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
Cite this Entry
“Curvature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curvature. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curvature
noun
cur·va·ture
ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
1
: the act of curving : the state of being curved
2
: an abnormal curving
curvature of the spine
Medical Definition
curvature
noun
cur·va·ture
ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
2
: a curved surface of an organ (as the stomach) see greater curvature, lesser curvature
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