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

Where is the filament of the light in relation to the focal point or radius of curvature of each mirror?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

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 smaller the radius of curvature, the smaller the focal length and, thus, the more powerful the mirror.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

In England the radius of curvature is limited to half a mile, or thereabouts.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 13, November, 1858 by Various