'Reverse curve' definitions:

Definition of 'Reverse curve'

From: GCIDE
  • Reverse \Re*verse"\, a. [OE. revers, OF. revers, L. reversus, p. p. of revertere. See Revert.]
  • 1. Turned backward; having a contrary or opposite direction; hence; opposite or contrary in kind; as, the reverse order or method. "A vice reverse unto this." --Gower. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Turned upside down; greatly disturbed. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • He found the sea diverse With many a windy storm reverse. --Gower. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Bot. & Zool.) Reversed; as, a reverse shell. [1913 Webster]
  • Reverse bearing (Surv.), the bearing of a back station as observed from the station next in advance.
  • Reverse curve (Railways), a curve like the letter S, formed of two curves bending in opposite directions.
  • Reverse fire (Mil.), a fire in the rear.
  • Reverse operation (Math.), an operation the steps of which are taken in a contrary order to that in which the same or similar steps are taken in another operation considered as direct; an operation in which that is sought which in another operation is given, and that given which in the other is sought; as, finding the length of a pendulum from its time of vibration is the reverse operation to finding the time of vibration from the length. [1913 Webster]