CURVE


Meaning of CURVE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ kɜ:(r)v ]

( curves, curving, curved)

1.

A curve is a smooth, gradually bending line, for example part of the edge of a circle.

...the curve of his lips.

...a curve in the road.

N-COUNT : usu with supp

2.

If something curves , or if someone or something curves it, it has the shape of a curve.

Her spine curved...

The track curved away below him.

...a knife with a slightly curving blade...

A small, unobtrusive smile curved the cook’s thin lips.

VERB : V , V adv / prep , V-ing , V n

3.

If something curves , it moves in a curve, for example through the air.

The ball curved strangely in the air.

VERB : V

4.

You can refer to a change in something as a particular curve , especially when it is represented on a graph.

Each firm will face a downward-sloping demand curve...

N-COUNT : usu with supp

see also learning curve

5.

If someone throws you a curve or if they throw you a curve ball , they surprise you by doing something you do not expect. ( mainly AM )

At the last minute, I threw them a curve ball by saying, ‘We’re going to bring spouses’.

PHRASE : V inflects

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.