Curvature
Curvature (k?r"v?-t?r; 135) , noun
[Latin curvatura. See Curvate.]
1.
The act of curving, or the state of being bent or curved; a curving or bending, normal or abnormal, as of a line or surface from a rectilinear direction; a bend; a curve. — Cowper
The elegant curvature of their fronds.
2.
(Mathematics) The amount of degree of bending of a mathematical curve, or the tendency at any point to depart from a tangent drawn to the curve at that point.
Collocations (7)
Aberrancy of curvature (Geometry) , the deviation of a curve from a circular form.
Absolute curvature , See under Absolute.
Angle of curvature (Geometry) , one that expresses the amount of curvature of a curve.
Chord of curvature , See under Chord.
Circle of curvature , See Osculating circle of a curve, under Circle.
Curvature of the spine (Medicine) , an abnormal curving of the spine, especially in a lateral direction.
Radius of curvature , the radius of the circle of curvature, or osculatory circle, at any point of a curve.