French curve

or french curve

Save This Word!

noun

a flat drafting instrument, usually consisting of a sheet of clear plastic, the edges of which are cut into several scroll-like curves enabling a draftsperson to draw lines of varying curvature.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of French curve

First recorded in 1880–85

Words nearby French curve

French chop, French colombard, French Community, French cricket, French cuff, French curve, French-cut, French dip, French door, French doors, French drain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use French curve in a sentence

As far as I can tell, this magazine spent as much time making fun of French politicians as it did of Muslims or Islam.
Harry Shearer on The Dangerous Business of Satire|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The comedian responded to the deadly attack on a French satirical magazine by renewing his recent criticisms of the Islamic faith.
Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on ‘Charlie Hebdo’|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The FBI has also been searching its records for any information that could assist the French investigation, a spokesperson added.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Gunshots rang out in Paris this morning on a second day of deadly violence that has stunned the French capital.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

I think the response of the French government so far has been pretty appropriate in that regard.
Harry Shearer on The Dangerous Business of Satire|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
However, on reaching Spain, the magic of the Emperor's personality soon restored the vigour and prestige of the French arms.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
He gives a list of the sponsors of the baptized Indians, who included many of the French nobility and clergy.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
It being offensive to the French, they took none of it with them on their return.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
Eustache le Sueur died; one of the best French historical painters of his time.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Sanson's Atlas: a very large atlas by a French geographer in use in Swift's time.
Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift

British Dictionary definitions for French curve

French curve

noun

a thin plastic sheet with profiles of several curves, used by draughtsmen for drawing curves

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012