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 • Sep. 9, 2018

The radius of curvature of each side of the lens.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

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

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

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The radius of curvature of the beam at D is given by the relation R = EI/M. Fig.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various