Britannica Dictionary definition of CURVE
1
:
a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2
technical
:
a curved line on a graph that shows how something changes or is affected by one or more conditions
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
— see also learning curve
3
:
a curving line or shape of the human body and especially of a woman's body
— usually plural
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
4
baseball
:
curveball
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
— often used figuratively
-
Life has thrown him some curves [=thrown him some curveballs] over the years but he's never given up. [=he has had some difficult and unexpected problems in his life]
-
The reporter threw the actress a curve [=surprised her with a difficult and unexpected question] when he asked about her past drug use.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
ahead of the curve
chiefly US, approving
:
faster about doing something than other people, companies, etc.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
behind the curve
chiefly US, disapproving
:
slower about doing something than other people, companies, etc.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
Britannica Dictionary definition of CURVE
1
[no object]
:
to form a curve
:
to turn or change from a straight line, shape, or path to a smooth, rounded one
-
The tail curves over the dog's back.
-
The road curves to the left.
-
The fence curves in toward the side of the house.
-
The railing curves out near the observation platform.
-
a curving path
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2
[+ object]
:
to cause (something) to form a curve
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
FAQs
Britannica Dictionary definition of CURVE. [count] 1. : a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc. The dog's tail has a slight curve.
What is the literal meaning of curve? ›
: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity. transitive verb. 1. : to cause to curve.
What is the basic definition of curve? ›
A curve is a shape or a line which is smoothly drawn in a plane having a bent or turns in it. For example, a circle is an example of curved-shape. In Mathematics, Geometry is a branch that deals with shapes, sizes, and the properties of figures. Geometry can be classified into two types.
What is curve in simple words? ›
A curve is a continuous and smooth flowing line without any sharp turns. One way to recognize it is that it bends and changes its direction at least once.
What is the formal definition of a curve? ›
This definition of a curve has been formalized in modern mathematics as: A curve is the image of an interval to a topological space by a continuous function. In some contexts, the function that defines the curve is called a parametrization, and the curve is a parametric curve.
What is curve symbolic of? ›
Unlike straight horizontal or vertical lines, curves are all about movement, happiness, and positive emotion. They're more appropriate in logos and brands that are less concerned about appealing to the business world and more focused on building a personal link with their audience.
What do curves on a woman mean? ›
Using the term "curvy" twenty years ago, conjured up images of hourglass bombshells with tiny waists and generous busts and hips. It was all about the extreme hip to waist ratio, regardless of size. Today the term "curvy" is used to describe fuller, rounder figures of all proportions.
What does "curve" mean in slang? ›
How is curve used? Use Cases & Examples. A step above ghosting, the slang term curving refers to rejecting or ignoring someone who is trying to initiate a romantic or physical relationship by delaying responses to messages or giving lame excuses for not agreeing to meet.
What does a curve indicate? ›
A curve is a path that deviates from a straight line gradually. It is not an abrupt turn. Corners are not curves. The curve definition and the curve meaning are observational and not mathematical.
What are the 3 parts of a curve? ›
A typical AS curve has three parts: a flat, horizontal portion at low levels of output, a middle section with a more-or-less gentle upward slope, and a steep or vertical portion at high levels of output.
(noun) in the sense of bend. Synonyms. bend. arc. curvature.
Why is it called as curve? ›
The definition of the S-curve
The reason it's called an S-curve is because the shape of the graph typically forms a loose, shallow “S.” (The shape, however, depends on the type of project, so other formations are possible.) An S-curve in project management is typically used to track the progress of a project.
What are the three types of curves? ›
Types of Curves in Surveying
- Circular Curve: A circular curve is the most basic type of curve used in surveying and engineering. ...
- Compound Curve: A compound curve consists of two or more circular curves connected end to end with different radii and centers. ...
- Reverse Curve: ...
- Spiral Curve: ...
- Transition Curve (Easem*nt Curve):
A curve is an arched or bent shape, like the curve of a smiling mouth or the curve of a road that twists and turns as you drive along the coast. As a noun, a curve can be any shape that deviates from being perfectly straight.
What is the difference between a line and a curve? ›
The shortest line joining any 2 points is a straight line. If a point moves in only one direction, we get a straight line. A line that is not straight is a curved line. If a point does not move in one direction, we get a curve.
What makes a curve a curve? ›
Definition of curve is "A curve is a shape or a line which is smoothly and continuously drawn in a plane having a bent or turns in it".
What is the mean of a curve? ›
The mean (the perpindicular line down the center of the curve) of the normaldistribution divides the curve in half, so that 50% of the area under the curveis to the right of the mean and 50% is to the left. Therefore, 50% of testscores are greater than the mean, and 50% of test scores are less than the mean.
What root word means curve? ›
FLEX / FLECT = CURVE. Page 2. Circumflex (n) to bend.
What is the definition of as curve? ›
The aggregate supply curve
Aggregate supply, or AS, refers to the total quantity of output—in other words, real GDP—firms will produce and sell. The aggregate supply curve shows the total quantity of output—real GDP—that firms will produce and sell at each price level.
What is the root of a curve? ›
A root is the x value when the y value = 0. It's where the graph crosses the x axis. Because y=x2+2 does not cross the x axis it does not have any roots.
