1 curve
/ˈkɚv/
noun
plural
curves
1 curve
/ˈkɚv/
noun
plural
curves
Britannica Dictionary definition of CURVE
[count]
1
:
a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc.
-
The dog's tail has a slight curve.
-
There is a sharp/gentle curve coming up in the road.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2
technical
:
a curved line on a graph that shows how something changes or is affected by one or more conditions
-
the price curve in relation to inflation
-
the population growth curve
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
— see also learning curve
3
:
a curving line or shape of the human body and especially of a woman's body
— usually plural
-
The dress follows the curves of the body.
-
voluptuous curves
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
4
baseball
:
-
The pitcher threw him a curve.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
— often used figuratively
-
Life has thrown him some curves [=thrown him some curveballs] over the years but he's never given up. [=he has had some difficult and unexpected problems in his life]
-
The reporter threw the actress a curve [=surprised her with a difficult and unexpected question] when he asked about her past drug use.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
ahead of the curve
chiefly US, approving
:
faster about doing something than other people, companies, etc.
-
The company has been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies. [=has adopted new technologies faster than other companies]
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
behind the curve
chiefly US, disapproving
:
slower about doing something than other people, companies, etc.
-
We are behind the curve when it comes to advances in medicine. [=we have not been keeping up with the latest advances as well as others]
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2 curve
/ˈkɚv/
verb
curves;
curved;
curving
2 curve
/ˈkɚv/
verb
curves;
curved;
curving
Britannica Dictionary definition of CURVE
1
[no object]
:
to form a curve
:
to turn or change from a straight line, shape, or path to a smooth, rounded one
-
The tail curves over the dog's back.
-
The road curves to the left.
-
The fence curves in toward the side of the house.
-
The railing curves out near the observation platform.
-
a curving path
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2
[+ object]
:
to cause (something) to form a curve
-
He curved [=bent] the wire slightly.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
