'Curvature' definitions:
Definition of 'curvature'
From: WordNet
noun
(medicine) a curving or bending; often abnormal; "curvature of the spine"
noun
The rate of change (at a point) of the angle between a curve and a tangent to the curve
noun
The property possessed by the curving of a line or surface [syn: curvature, curve]
Definition of 'Curvature'
From: GCIDE
- Curvature \Cur"va*ture\ (k?r"v?-t?r; 135), n. [L. 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. [1913 Webster]
- The elegant curvature of their fronds. --Darwin. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Math.) 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. [1913 Webster]
- Aberrancy of curvature (Geom.), the deviation of a curve from a circular form.
- Absolute curvature. See under Absolute.
- Angle of curvature (Geom.), 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 (Med.), 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. [1913 Webster]