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

Use the law of reflection to prove that the focal length of a mirror is half its radius of curvature.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

The radius of curvature of each side of the lens.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

What is the radius of curvature of the path of a 10 MeV proton in this field?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

We know that the radius of curvature of a surface of revolution in the plane normal to the meridian plane is the portion of the normal intercepted by the axis of revolution.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various