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

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

What is the speed of the roller coaster at the top of the loop if the radius of curvature there is 15.0 m and the downward acceleration of the car is 1.50 g?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

The radius of curvature of each side of the lens.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

If we wish to place the fluid-carrying pipe 40.0 cm from the concave mirror at the mirror’s focal point, what will be the radius of curvature of the mirror?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

In other words, the motion is one of translation, and the radius of curvature at P is infinite.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 595, May 28, 1887 by Various