curve
curve /k'ɜːrv/ (curves curving curved)
1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
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.
2 [VERB] V, V adv/prep, V-ing, V n
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.
3 [VERB] V
If something curves, it moves in a curve, for example through the air.
The ball curved strangely in the air.
4 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
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...
see also learning curve
5 [PHRASE] V inflects
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'.learn|ing curve (learning curves)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
A learning curve is a process where people develop a skill by learning from their mistakes. A steep learning curve involves learning very quickly.
Both he and the crew are on a steep learning curve...
1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
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.
2 [VERB] V, V adv/prep, V-ing, V n
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.
3 [VERB] V
If something curves, it moves in a curve, for example through the air.
The ball curved strangely in the air.
4 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
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...
see also learning curve
5 [PHRASE] V inflects
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'.learn|ing curve (learning curves)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
A learning curve is a process where people develop a skill by learning from their mistakes. A steep learning curve involves learning very quickly.
Both he and the crew are on a steep learning curve...