First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1curve
adjective \ˈkərv\
Definition of CURVE
archaic : bent or formed into a curve
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CURVE
Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round
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
1
: to cause to curve
2
: to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3
: to grade (as an examination) on a curve
See curve defined for English-language learners
See curve defined for kids
Origin of CURVE
Latin curvare, from curvus
First Known Use: 1594
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
1
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
2
4
: 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
5
: 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
First Known Use of CURVE
1666
CURVE Defined for Kids
1curve
verb \ˈkərv\
curvedcurv·ing
Definition of CURVE for Kids
: to turn or cause to turn from a straight line or course <The road curved to the left.>
2curve
noun
Definition of CURVE for Kids
1
: a smooth rounded line or surface <Slow down! There's a curve in the road.>
2
: something having a somewhat round shape <the curves of the body>
3
: a ball thrown so that it moves away from a straight course
Learn More About CURVE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: curveballPrevious Word in the Dictionary: curvature of fieldAll Words Near: curve
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up curve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).