curvature

American  

[kur-vuh-cher, -choor] / ˈkɜr və tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

1. the act of curving or the state of being curved.

2. a curved condition, often abnormal.

   curvature of the spine.

3. the degree of curving of a line or surface.

4. Geometry.

   1. (at a point on a curve) the derivative of the inclination of the tangent with respect to arc length.

   2. the absolute value of this derivative.

5. something curved.

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curvature British  

/ ˈkɜːvətʃə /

noun

1. something curved or a curved part of a thing

2. any normal or abnormal curving of a bodily part

   curvature of the spine

3. geometry the change in inclination of a tangent to a curve over unit length of arc. For a circle or sphere it is the reciprocal of the radius See also radius of curvature centre of curvature

4. the act of curving or the state or degree of being curved or bent

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Etymology

Origin of curvature

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin curvātūra, equivalent to curvāt ( us ) past participle of curvāre to bend, curve + -ūra -ure. See -ate ¹

Explanation

A rounded, bent, or arched shape in something is a curvature. When there's a wide expanse of open ocean, you can see the slight curvature of the earth right where it meets the horizon. A curvature is the shape of something that's curved — and both words stem from the Latin curvare, "to bend." In math, the term curvature has several specific meanings depending on its context, but it basically comes down to a curving or bending away from a straight line. The curvature of your movie theater seat might make it particularly comfortable, while the curvature of your spine as you work on your computer may give you a backache later.

Example Sentences

The cornea became one of the most promising targets because even small changes in its curvature can dramatically improve vision.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

This streamlined version—co-written with Leonard Mlodinow, a physicist and popular-science author—retains explanations of vital topics, such as the curvature of spacetime and Einstein’s theory of relativity, but dispenses with the drier sections.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

If this happens, spacetime curvature is no longer perfectly defined at every point.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

Isla said the Coldplay video she shared has had more than 200,000 views and has drawn many comments from other young people with curvature of the spine, seeking support and asking questions.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Back in the rubber-sheet analogy, a singularity is a point of infinite curvature; it is a hole in the fabric of space and time.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife