Curvature /(k?r"v?-t?r; 135)/

Cur·va·ture

Curvature

n.
  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.
    The elegant curvature of their fronds.
  2. 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. (Math.)

Phrases & Compounds
Aberrancy of curvature
the deviation of a curve from a circular form.
Absolute curvature
See under Absolute.
Angle of curvature
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
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.