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
The emotional toll is significant, and that's why care should be holistic—not just focused on the curvature, but on the whole person.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
So, all these different kind of choices that are consistent in string theory give rise to different dimensions, different number of particles and different kind of structure for the curvature of space-time.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
The laser can also correct astigmatism (an abnormal curvature at the front surface of the lens that causes blurry vision).
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Art Deco influences like the curvature inside have been retained, while otherwise the house has been updated with modern, colorful touches and appliances.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curvature
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Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
So, all these different kind of choices that are consistent in string theory give rise to different dimensions, different number of particles and different kind of structure for the curvature of space-time.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
The laser can also correct astigmatism (an abnormal curvature at the front surface of the lens that causes blurry vision).
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Art Deco influences like the curvature inside have been retained, while otherwise the house has been updated with modern, colorful touches and appliances.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 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 18 Jun. 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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