curve

Pronunciation: /kɚv/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
  2. noun a line on a graph representing data
  3. noun a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter

Etymology

Attested since the 1690s, from Latin curvus (“bent, curved”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to bend, curve, turn”) + *-wós. Doublet of curb, shrink, carcer, and cancer.

In classic literature

Synonyms

curved shape

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
line
Narrower (hyponyms)
arch, scallop, bow, extrados, arc, normal curve
Opposite (antonyms)
straight line

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