radius of curvature

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature at a point on a curve.

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radius of curvature British  

noun

1. the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature of a curve at a given point; the radius of a circle the curvature of which is equal to that of the given curve at that point See also centre of curvature

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Etymology

Origin of radius of curvature

First recorded in 1745–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

radius of curvature

Both wedging and interleaving can be quantified in units of radius of curvature, so are ideal for characterizing curved epithelia.

From Nature ● Sep. 9, 2018

Here, r is the radius of curvature of the path of a charged particle with mass m and charge q , moving at a speed v perpendicular to a magnetic field of strength B .

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Figure 6.38 Teardrop-shaped loops are used in the latest roller coasters so that the radius of curvature gradually decreases to a minimum at the top.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

A small telescope has a concave mirror with a 2.00 m radius of curvature for its objective.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Take a bar of tool steel and cut it a little longer than the radius of curvature required.

From On Laboratory Arts by Richard Threlfall

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