Radius curvus is a scientific term that refers to the curvature of a circular arc. The pronunciation of this term is [ˈreɪdiəs ˈkɜrvəs], where the "a" in "radius" is pronounced as "ay", the "u" in "curvus" is pronounced as "ur", and the stress is on the second syllable of both words. The spelling of the word reflects its Latin origins, where "radius" means "ray" or "spoke" and "curvus" means "curved". The combination of these words creates a compound term that describes the curving of a spoke or ray.
Radius curvus is a Latin term commonly used in physics and mathematics, specifically in the field of optics and lens design. It refers to a type of curved lens or surface that exhibits a non-uniform curvature, which consists of two different radii of curvature along its cross-section.
In optics, radius curvus indicates a lens or a surface that is not perfectly spherical. While a spherical lens has a constant curvature throughout its entire surface, a radius curvus lens has a gradual change in curvature from one end to the other. This type of lens is specifically designed to correct optical aberrations like spherical aberration, coma, or astigmatism, which affect the quality and sharpness of an image produced by an optical system.
The term "radius curvus" is derived from the Latin words "radius" meaning "ray" or "line segment with one endpoint at the center of a circle" and "curvus" meaning "curved." Thus, the term can be literally translated to mean "curved radius." It highlights the fact that the lens or surface described by this phrase has a curvature that varies along its length, resulting in improved optical performance.
Overall, radius curvus refers to the design and characteristics of a lens or a curved surface that deviates from a perfect spherical shape, allowing for the correction of optical aberrations and improving the quality of an image produced by an optical system.
Madelung's deformity, an inferior radioulnar subluxation due to a curvature of the lower extremity of the radius with concavity anterior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "radius curvus" is derived from Latin. "Radius" means "ray" or "spoke" in Latin, derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *rei- meaning "to scratch, rub". "Curvus" means "curved" in Latin, derived from the Proto-Indo-European root * sker- meaning "to turn, to bend".
In combination, "radius curvus" translates to "curved ray" or "curved spoke" in English. This term is often used in mathematics and geometry to refer to a segment of a circle or a curved line.