Definition of curve

< curvature

curve ball >

curve    (kûrv) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion.
   2. A surface that deviates from planarity in a smooth, continuous fashion.
   3. Something characterized by such a line or surface, especially a rounded line or contour of the human body.
2. A relatively smooth bend in a road or other course.
3. 1. A line representing data on a graph.
   2. A trend derived from or as if from such a graph: "Once again, the politicians are behind the curve" (Ted Kennedy).
4. A graphic representation showing the relative performance of individuals as measured against each other, used especially as a method of grading students in which the assignment of grades is based on predetermined proportions of students.
5. Mathematics
   1. The graph of a function on a coordinate plane.
   2. The intersection of two surfaces in three dimensions.
   3. The graph of the solutions to any equation of two variables.
6. Baseball A curve ball.
7. Slang Something that is unexpected or designed to trick or deceive.

VERB:
curved, curv·ing, curves
VERB:
intr.

To move in or take the shape of a curve: The path curves around the lake.

VERB:
tr.

1. To cause to curve. See Synonyms at bend¹.
2. Baseball To pitch a curve ball to.
3. To grade (students, for example) on a curve.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From Middle English, curved, from Latin curvus; see sker-² in Indo-European roots. N., sense 6, short for curve ball

OTHER FORMS:
curved·ness(Noun), curvy(Adjective)