curve

 
Pronunciation: /kəːv/

noun

  • a line or outline which gradually deviates from being straight for some or all of its length: the parapet wall sweeps down in a bold curve
  • North American a place where a road deviates from a straight path: the vehicle rounded a curve
  • (curves) a curving contour of a woman’s figure: her dress twisted tightly round her generous curves
  • a line on a graph (whether straight or curved) showing how one quantity varies with respect to another: the population curve
  • (also curve ball) Baseball a delivery in which the pitcher causes the ball to deviate from a straight path by imparting spin: he relies on a couple of curves and a modest fastball

verb

  • form or cause to form a curve: [no object]: her mouth curved in a smile [with object]: starting with arms outstretched, curve the body sideways

Phrases

ahead of (or behind) the curve

(especially of a business or politician) ahead of (or lagging behind) current thinking or trends: we are continually looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and provide added value to our consumers

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin curvare 'to bend', from curvus 'bent'. The noun dates from the late 17th century