curve

The definition of a curve is a smooth bend.

(noun)

An example of a curve is the outline of a figure eight.

To curve is defined as to move or follow in a smooth bend.

(verb)

An example of to curve is to have a road that winds around a lake.

See curve in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Archaic curved

Origin: L curvus, bent: see crown

noun

a line having no straight part; bend having no angular part
a thing or part having the shape of a curve
the act of curving, or the extent of this
the pronounced curving outline of a shapely female figure
☆ Baseball a ball thrown by a right-handed pitcher that curves to the pitcher's left, or one thrown by a left-handed pitcher that curves to the pitcher's right
a curved line or similar graphic representation showing variations occurring or expected to occur in prices, business conditions, group achievements, etc.
French curve
Math. a one-dimensional continuum of points in a space of two or more dimensions, such as a parabola in a plane or a helix in three-dimensional space: a straight line or line segment is a type of curve

transitive verb, intransitive verb curved, curving

See curve in American Heritage Dictionary 4

curve

noun

a. A line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion.
b. A surface that deviates from planarity in a smooth, continuous fashion.
c. Something characterized by such a line or surface, especially a rounded line or contour of the human body.
A relatively smooth bend in a road or other course.
a. A line representing data on a graph.
b. A trend derived from or as if from such a graph: “Once again, the politicians are behind the curve” (Ted Kennedy).
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.
Mathematics
a. The graph of a function on a coordinate plane.
b. The intersection of two surfaces in three dimensions.
c. The graph of the solutions to any equation of two variables.
Baseball A curve ball.
Slang Something that is unexpected or designed to trick or deceive.