Definition

The state of being curved or the amount of bending in a shape or line.

Example

The curvature of the road made it difficult to see the oncoming traffic.

Conversation

Did you notice the curvature of the road on our way here?

Yeah, it was pretty steep!

I read that certain angles of curvature can make driving tricky.

That's true! It's always good to be cautious on those turns.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Curvature is formed from "curv-" (from Latin "curvus", meaning bent or curved) and "-ature" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a state or condition). The word "curvature" refers to the state or condition of being curved.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'bent' ('curv-') to remember that 'curvature' describes the state of being curved.

Visually Confused Words