Curvilineal

/ˌkɜːrvɪˈlɪniəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or bounded by curved lines; composed of or formed by curves.

Etymology

From Latin 'curvus' (curved) and 'linea' (line) with the adjectival suffix '-al'. Used since the 17th century in mathematics and geometry to describe shapes bounded by curves.

Kelly Says

In mathematics, 'curvilineal coordinates' are like a curved grid system used by physicists studying the universe—instead of straight x and y axes, they curve to match the shape of what they're measuring.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.