curvative

1. (differential geometry) The first partial derivative of a function that describes a surface.Examples: "Examination of waves larger than 60 metres will depend on the accuracy with which the spatial derivatives (tilts, curvatives, etc.) of the surface can be obtained."; "This equation is descriptive of a Cornu spiral, a spiral whose curvative increases linearly with arclength."; "Assume first that this region is exactly linear, with no curvative (i.e., ∂2ρ/∂x2 = 0)."

2. (anatomy) One of the curved walls of the stomach.Examples: "According to Dr. Leuf, when water is taken into the full or partly full stomach, it does not mingle with the food, as we are taught, but passes along quickly between the food and lesser curvative toward the pylorus, through which it passes into the intestines."; "Hyperperistalsis (gastric), with an increase of the number (three or more ) and depth of the waves on both curvatives, is seen typically in obstructing lesions of the duodenum."; "If local findings, the absence of peritonitis, and the clinical picture permit it, cases of this type can be managed by a radical curvative or palliative resection."