curvature

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkəːvətʃə/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the fact of being curved or the degree to which something is curved: spinal curvature the curvature of the earth
  • Geometry the degree to which a curve deviates from a straight line, or a curved surface deviates from a plane.
  • a numerical quantity expressing curvature.

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin curvatura, from curvare (see curve)