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¹curve

adjective \ˈkərv\

Definition of CURVE

archaic

: bent or formed into a curve

Origin of CURVE

Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with CURVE

MIRV, nerve, serve, slurve, swerve, verve

²curve

verb

: to form a curve : to turn or change from a straight line, shape, or path to a smooth, rounded one

: to cause (something) to form a curve

curvedcurv·ing

Full Definition of CURVE

intransitive verb

: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity

transitive verb

: to cause to curve

: to throw a curveball to (a batter)

: to grade (as an examination) on a curve

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Origin of CURVE

Latin curvare, from curvus

First Known Use: 1594

Related to CURVE

Synonyms: arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, fall off, hook, round, sweep, swerve, trend, wheel

Antonyms: straighten

³curve

noun

: a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc.

: a curved line on a graph that shows how something changes or is affected by one or more conditions

: a curving line or shape of the human body and especially of a woman's body

Full Definition of CURVE

a : a line especially when curved: as (1) : the path of a moving point (2) : a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter

b : the graph of a variable

: something curved: as

a : a curving line of the human body

b plural : parenthesis

a : curveball

b : trick, deception

: a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement

: trend <a growth curve in advertising revenues>; especially : a prevalent trend or rate of progress —often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve <companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies>

— curvy \ˈkər-vē\ adjective

See curve defined for English-language learners