Definition of curvature:

• the property possessed by the curving of a line or surface
• the rate of change ( at a point) of the angle between a curve and a tangent to the curve
• ( medicine) a curving or bending; often abnormal; " curvature of the spine"
• The act of curving, or the state of being bent or curved; a curving or bending, normal or abnormal, as of a line or surface from a rectilinear direction; a bend; a curve.
• The amount of degree of bending of a mathematical curve, or the tendency at any point to depart from a tangent drawn to the curve at that point.
• A bending; as, curvature of the spine.
• A curving or bending: the continual bending or the amount of bending from a straight line.
• A curving or bending; deflection from a straight line.
• The act of bending, or the state of being curved; amount or rate of bending.
• The continual flexure or bending of a line from a rectilinear direction.
• Crookedness, or the manner of being bent; a curve; a bending from a straight line.

Usage examples for curvature

1. This is done by putting curvature on the blade or making it what is called " hog- backed."  The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by J. (John) Joly

2. When the wedge thus formed being driven in, at first rendered the line level, but afterwards, by the pressure, made a curvature in the centre, the Africans, who had now formed wings on each side of them, surrounded the Romans on both sides, who incautiously rushed into the intermediate space; and presently extending their wings, enclosed the enemy on the rear also.  The History of Rome; Books Nine to Twenty-Six by Titus Livius

3. In young males, the horns at first resemble in direction and slight curvature those of the female, but they are always thicker at the base and distinctly triangular.  Natural History of the Mammalia of India and Ceylon by Robert A. Sterndale

4. The surfaces in regard to size, shape, curvature, bracing and material, are all important.  Marvels of Modern Science by Paul Severing