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

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

From Nature

The shortest radius of curvature was two hundred and thirty-eight feet.

From Project Gutenberg

It is physically impossible to mill out a concave cycloid, by any means whatever, because at the pitch line its radius of curvature is zero, and a milling cutter must have a sensible diameter.

From Project Gutenberg

For the ellipsoid of rotation the measure of curvature is equal to 1/ρn, ρ and n being the radii of curvature of the meridian and perpendicular.

From Project Gutenberg

In order that the theory may hold good the radius of curvature must be very large.

From Project Gutenberg