recurve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “recurve” mean?
To bend backwards or in a reverse curve.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To bend backwards or in a reverse curve.
Primarily used in archery for a bow with limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung; in biology for anatomical parts (like feathers or horns) bending backward; in general contexts to describe anything with a smooth backward curve.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application between UK and US English.
Connotations
Archery terminology is identical; in biological/geological contexts, it's a precise descriptive term.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, slightly higher in contexts related to archery, hunting, or specific technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “recurve” in a Sentence
[Subject] + recurve + (adverb of direction/manner)[Subject] + be + recurved (adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recurve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The path began to recurve towards the old oak tree.
- The tips of the feathers elegantly recurve.
American English
- The highway recurves sharply around the mountain.
- The antique sword's blade recurves slightly at the end.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable in standard business contexts.
Academic
Used in biology, anatomy, and archaeology to describe shapes (e.g., 'the recurve of the raptor's beak').
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by archers or in descriptive writing (e.g., 'the road recurves around the hill').
Technical
Core use in archery for bow classification. Also in botany, zoology, and geology.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recurve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recurve”
- Confusing 'recurve' (bend back) with 'recur' (happen again).
- Using it as a common synonym for any bend instead of specifically a backward bend.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most specific use is for a type of bow, it is a general descriptive term used in biology, anatomy, and geology for anything that curves backwards.
A recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips when unstrung, making it more powerful for its length. A longbow has straight limbs that only bend when strung.
Yes, primarily to refer to the bow type itself (e.g., 'He shot with a recurve').
It is a low-frequency word outside of technical contexts like archery, hunting, or specific scientific descriptions.
To bend backwards or in a reverse curve.
Recurve is usually technical, formal in register.
Recurve: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkɜːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkɜːrv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think RE- (again/back) + CURVE. A curve that goes back on itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often tied to tension and release (as in a bow), precision, and a return to source.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'recurve' MOST specifically and commonly used?