curve

1. N-COUNT A curve is a smooth, gradually bending line, for example, part of the edge of a circle. 曲線

...the curve of his lips. …他嘴唇的曲線。

2. N-COUNT You can refer to a change in something as a particular curve, especially when it is represented on a graph. (圖表中的) 曲線

Youth crime overall is on a slow but steady downward curve. 青年犯罪總體上呈一個緩慢但持續(xù)下降的曲線。

3. →see also learning curve

4. V-T/V-I If something curves, or if someone or something curves it, it has the shape of a curve. 使彎曲; 變彎

Her spine curved. 她的脊柱彎了。

...a knife with a slightly curving blade. …一把刀刃略彎的刀。

5. V-I If something curves, it moves in a curve, for example, through the air. 沿曲線運動

The ball curved strangely in the air. 球在空中劃出奇怪的弧線。

6. PHRASE If someone throws you a curve or throws you a curve ball, they surprise you by doing something that you do not expect. 給某人驚喜[美國英語]

At the last minute, I threw them a curve ball by saying, "We're going to bring spouses."

在最后一刻，我給了他們一個驚喜，說：“我們會帶配偶。”