curve

• Nom désignant une ligne ou une forme qui s'infléchit de manière progressive et continue, sans angles vifs, ou le tracé d'une telle ligne.

A noun referring to a line or shape that bends smoothly and continuously, without sharp angles.

1. Smooth bendA2formal

   A smooth, gradually bending line or shape that is not straight.

   courbe

   • The road has a sharp curve ahead.
   • She drew a curve on the paper.
   • The graph shows a rising curve in sales.

   Synonymesarcbendbowcambercurlsweep

   Antonymeslinestraightstraightaway

2. Mathematical curveB2formalscientific

   A line that is not straight, especially one described by a mathematical equation.

   Courbe mathématique

   • The parabola is a type of curve in geometry.
   • The curve of the bell represents the normal distribution.
   • Engineers analyze the curve of the trajectory.

   Synonymesarcgraphlocusplottrajectory

   Antonymeslinestraight

3. Curveball (sports)C1informalamericansport

   A pitch in baseball that curves before reaching the batter.

   Ballon courbe (baseball)

   • The pitcher threw a wicked curve that fooled the batter.
   • He mastered throwing a curve in little league.
   • That curve was unhittable.

   Synonymesbenderbreaking ballhook

• Verbe désignant l'action de plier ou de dessiner une ligne courbe, ou de se mouvoir le long d'un trajet arqué, ou encore de donner à quelque chose une forme arrondie.

A verb used to indicate the act of bending or moving in a smooth, arched line, or to cause something to take such a shape.

1. Bend or form into a curveB1formal

   To form or cause to form a curved shape or path.

   Courber

   • The road curves sharply to the left here.
   • She curved her lips into a smile.
   • The artist curved the wire into an elegant shape.

   Synonymesarcbendbowcrookcurlswerveturntwistwind

   Antonymesalignflattenstraighten

2. Move in a curved pathB1formal

   To move along a curved trajectory.

   Courber, décrire une courbe

   • The ball curved through the air toward the goal.
   • The plane curved gracefully during takeoff.
   • The river curves around the village.

   Synonymesarcbendbowmeanderswervetwistveerwind

   Antonymesstraighten