curve

curve

1. 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.
2. A relatively smooth bend in a road or other course.
3. 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).
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
   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.
6. Baseball A curve ball.
7. Slang Something that is unexpected or designed to trick or deceive.

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.

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

Related Forms:

• curvˈed·ness noun

• curvy curvˈy adjective