radius of curvature


noun Mathematics.

the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature at a point on a curve.

Origin of radius of curvature

First recorded in 1745–55

British Dictionary definitions for radius of curvature

radius of curvature

noun

the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature of a curve at a given point; the radius of a circle the curvature of which is equal to that of the given curve at that point See also centre of curvature