concave

[ adjective verb kon-keyv, kon-keyv; noun kon-keyv ]

adjective

1. curved like a segment of the interior of a circle or hollow sphere; hollow and curved. Compare convex ( def 1 ).
2. Geometry. (of a polygon) having at least one interior angle greater than 180°.
3. Obsolete. hollow.

noun

1. a concave surface, part, line, or thing.
2. Machinery. a concave piece, as one against which a drum rotates.

verb (used with object)

, con·caved, con·cav·ing.

1. to make concave.

concave

/ ˈkɒnkeɪv; kɒnˈkeɪv /

adjective

1. curving inwards
2. physics having one or two surfaces curved or ground in the shape of a section of the interior of a sphere, paraboloid, etc

   a concave lens

3. maths (of a polygon) containing an interior angle greater than 180°
4. See hollow
   an obsolete word for hollow

verb

1. tr to make concave

concave

/ kŏn′kāv′ /

1. Curved inward, like the inside of a circle or sphere.

Derived Forms

• ˈconcaveness, noun
• ˈconcavely, adverb

Other Words From

• con·cavely adverb
• con·caveness noun
• subcon·cave adjective
• subcon·cavely adverb
• subcon·caveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of concave¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin concavus, hollow. See con-, cave

Word History and Origins

Origin of concave¹

C15: from Latin concavus arched, from cavus hollow

Example Sentences

The concave metal strip starts higher under the heel, then swoops low under the forefoot before rounding up again under the toe, resulting in a springy ride that increases its rebound the harder you run.

From Outside Online

Burin says a concave front could theoretically create a faster flow of water in the center, and it would also likely create more side-to-side stability.

From Popular-Science

The concave leather exterior gives your headphones and ear pads a safe and cozy place to sleep, and the cork feet prevent them from being knocked over.

From Popular-Science

A concave blade will easily make big cuts through softer materials.

From Outside Online

This wireless keyboard has concave keys to snugly fit your fingertips, creating an ultra-comfortable typing experience.

From Popular-Science

Sagging milk-filled breasts must appear perky; the once-swollen abdomen is made concave.

From The Daily Beast

Ellis's patent boot studs to save the sole, and the Euknemida, or concave-convex fastening springs, are the latest novelties.

From Project Gutenberg

Lamb turned the paper over and winked at himself in the concave mirror of the semi-circle of bar.

From Project Gutenberg

The seat should slope downward a little toward the back, be slightly concave, and have rounded edges in front.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the two broader sides one was concave, the other convex; while of the narrower sides one was flat and the other indented.

From Project Gutenberg

His hair is long and black, and in his throat is a thick concave bone.

From Project Gutenberg