radius of curvature
noun Mathematics.
the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature at a point on a curve.
Compare
circle of curvature.
Origin of radius of curvature
First recorded in 1745–55
Words nearby radius of curvature
radium sulfate,
radium therapy,
radius,
radius of action,
radius of convergence,
radius of curvature,
radius of gyration,
radius rod,
radius vector,
radix,
radix point
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