--- title: C — The English dictionary with trees and pragmatics · page 97 description: The 1959 words of the English dictionary under C, every meaning for a pupil and every example with its dependency tree and pragmatics. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/97/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [dictionaries](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/) / [English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/) / C # C — The English dictionary · page 97 [A](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/A/) · [B](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/B/) · [C](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) · [D](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/D/) · [E](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/E/) · [F](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/F/) · [G](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/G/) · [H](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/H/) · [I](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/I/) · [J](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/J/) · [K](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/K/) · [L](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/L/) · [M](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/M/) · [N](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/N/) · [O](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/O/) · [P](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) · [Q](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Q/) · [R](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/R/) · [S](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) · [T](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/T/) · [U](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/U/) · [V](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/V/) · [W](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/W/) · [X](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/X/) · [Y](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Y/) · [Z](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Z/) [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) … [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/96/) **97** [98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/98/) [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/99/) **curl** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A curl is a piece of hair that grows or is shaped in a round twist.[↗](../../curl/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To curl is to bend into a round or spiral shape.[↗](../../curl/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* To curl up is to lie with your arms and legs pulled close to your body.[↗](../../curl/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* A curl is any spiral shape, like a curl of smoke.[↗](../../curl/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* She has long brown curls.[↗](../../curl/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The cat curled up on the cushion.[↗](../../curl/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · A hedgehog curls into a ball when it is scared.[↗](../../curl/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Smoke curled from the chimney.[↗](../../curl/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The dry leaves curled at the edges.[↗](../../curl/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · He curled his fingers around the cup.[↗](../../curl/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Curling is a sport played on ice with heavy stones.[↗](../../curl/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Then he curled himself up and went to sleep.[↗](../../curl/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are curled, and black as a raven.[↗](../../curl/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings SNG.5.11, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curl/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet spices there shall be rottenness; and instead of a girdle rags; and instead of curled hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; branding instead of beauty.[↗](../../curl/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Prophets ISA.3.24, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curl/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") **curlicue** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A fancy curl or twist in writing, drawing or ironwork.[↗](../../curlicue/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* She drew curlicues around her name.[↗](../../curlicue/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The gate had iron curlicues at the top.[↗](../../curlicue/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · His moustache ended in curlicues.[↗](../../curlicue/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **curliness** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* The quality of being curly, having curls or twists: «the curliness of her hair».[↗](../../curliness/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* How much something bends or curls, such as a pig's tail, a fern or ribbon.[↗](../../curliness/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The curliness of her hair grew in the rainy weather.[↗](../../curliness/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · My dog's curliness means he doesn't shed much fur.[↗](../../curliness/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Damp air increases the curliness of my hair.[↗](../../curliness/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The curliness of the pig's tail made us laugh.[↗](../../curliness/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Hair curliness can run in families.[↗](../../curliness/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The ribbon kept its curliness after we pulled it with the scissors.[↗](../../curliness/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **curly** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Curly means having curls, like hair that grows in rings or waves.[↗](../../curly/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Curly means shaped in curves or spirals, like a curly tail or curly writing.[↗](../../curly/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* She has long curly red hair.[↗](../../curly/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · A pig has a short curly tail.[↗](../../curly/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · We ate curly fries at the fair.[↗](../../curly/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Curl the ribbon with scissors to make it curly.[↗](../../curly/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · His writing is very curly and hard to read.[↗](../../curly/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The baby's hair is getting curlier.[↗](../../curly/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · In some maths books, sets are written in curly brackets.[↗](../../curly/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **currant** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A small dried black grape without seeds, used in cakes, buns and puddings.[↗](../../currant/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A small round berry that grows in bunches on a bush: blackcurrant, redcurrant, whitecurrant.[↗](../../currant/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Five currant buns in a baker's shop, round and fat with a sugar on the top.[↗](../../currant/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The cake had «EAT ME» written on it in currants.[↗](../../currant/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · We picked redcurrants in the garden.[↗](../../currant/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Blackcurrants are full of vitamin C.[↗](../../currant/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Put a handful of currants into the scone mixture.[↗](../../currant/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Each bun has 8 currants; how many currants are in 5 buns?[↗](../../currant/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · She bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns.[↗](../../currant/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **currency** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A currency is the kind of money used in a country, such as the dollar, the pound or the euro.[↗](../../currency/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Currency is money in general, as coins and notes.[↗](../../currency/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* If an idea has currency, many people accept or use it.[↗](../../currency/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The currency of the USA is the US dollar.[↗](../../currency/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The UK uses the pound as its currency.[↗](../../currency/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Ireland uses the euro.[↗](../../currency/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Australia, Canada and New Zealand each have their own dollar currency.[↗](../../currency/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · We changed our money into the local currency at the airport.[↗](../../currency/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · In the game, gold coins are the currency.[↗](../../currency/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Bitcoin is a kind of digital currency.[↗](../../currency/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · With the present instalment the tale of English Fairy Stories that are likely to obtain currency among the young folk is complete.[↗](../../currency/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **current** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A current is a strong movement of water or air in one direction, as in a river or the sea.[↗](../../current/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* An electric current is the flow of electricity through a wire.[↗](../../current/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Current (adjective) means happening or existing now: the current weather.[↗](../../current/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* If a story or word is current, many people in a place know it and use it.[↗](../../current/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The river current is too strong for swimming.[↗](../../current/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Swim between the red and yellow flags to avoid rip currents.[↗](../../current/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · An electric current flows through the wire to the bulb.[↗](../../current/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · If the circuit is broken, the current cannot flow.[↗](../../current/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The boat drifted with the current.[↗](../../current/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Who is the current captain of the team?[↗](../../current/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Warm ocean currents make some coasts milder.[↗](../../current/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · A rip current can pull you away from the beach.[↗](../../current/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · "vitty" = Devonian for "decent," I conclude the tale is current in Devon.[↗](../../current/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.[↗](../../current/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah GEN.23.16, JPS 1917)[↗](../../current/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") **currently** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Currently means now, at this time.[↗](../../currently/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* It tells how things are at the moment, which may change later.[↗](../../currently/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Sam currently has 15 dollars.[↗](../../currently/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The tank currently holds 30 liters.[↗](../../currently/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Lisa is currently 9 years old.[↗](../../currently/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Currently there are 40 birds in the tree.[↗](../../currently/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The pool is currently closed.[↗](../../currently/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · It is currently raining in London.[↗](../../currently/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · She is currently reading a book about space.[↗](../../currently/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **curriculum** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A curriculum is all the subjects and topics that are taught at a school, college or in a course.[↗](../../curriculum/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A curriculum is also the plan of what is taught in one subject, like the maths curriculum.[↗](../../curriculum/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Coding is now on the school curriculum.[↗](../../curriculum/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The national curriculum says what children learn in each year.[↗](../../curriculum/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Our science curriculum includes space and plants.[↗](../../curriculum/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Teachers plan lessons from the curriculum.[↗](../../curriculum/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The new curriculum has more outdoor learning.[↗](../../curriculum/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") **curry** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A curry is a dish of meat, fish or vegetables cooked in a spicy sauce, often eaten with rice or bread; it comes from South Asian cooking.[↗](../../curry/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Curry powder is a mixture of spices used to make such dishes.[↗](../../curry/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* To curry favour means to try to make someone like you by flattering them or doing things for them.[↗](../../curry/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* We had chicken curry and rice for dinner.[↗](../../curry/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · This curry is too hot for me\![↗](../../curry/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Dad makes a mild vegetable curry.[↗](../../curry/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Add a spoonful of curry powder.[↗](../../curry/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · On Friday we got a curry from the takeaway.[↗](../../curry/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · He tried to curry favour with the teacher by bringing her apples.[↗](../../curry/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Curries often contain cumin, turmeric and chilli.[↗](../../curry/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · There he saw his seven daughters carefully washing the rice and preparing the curry, and as each dish was completed, they put it by the fire ready to be cooked.[↗](../../curry/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **currycomb** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A metal comb with rows of teeth, used to clean and brush a horse's coat.[↗](../../currycomb/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To currycomb a horse is to brush it with such a comb.[↗](../../currycomb/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The groom used a currycomb on the pony.[↗](../../currycomb/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Brush the horse with the currycomb, then with a soft brush.[↗](../../currycomb/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · He currycombed the mare until she shone.[↗](../../currycomb/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **curse** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A curse is a magic spell or wish that something bad will happen to someone, as in fairy tales.[↗](../../curse/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A curse is a rude or swear word that someone says when angry.[↗](../../curse/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (verb) To curse is to swear or use bad words, or to say angry things.[↗](../../curse/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* (verb) To curse someone is to put a magic spell on them.[↗](../../curse/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* A curse can be something that causes lots of trouble, like a long-lasting problem.[↗](../../curse/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The wicked witch put a curse on the princess.[↗](../../curse/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The castle was under a curse for a hundred years.[↗](../../curse/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · He cursed when he stubbed his toe.[↗](../../curse/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Please don't curse in the classroom.[↗](../../curse/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She cursed under her breath when the bus drove away.[↗](../../curse/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The rain was the curse of our camping trip.[↗](../../curse/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The curse was broken when the frog was kissed.[↗](../../curse/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · ‘These flowers are under a curse.[↗](../../curse/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark.[↗](../../curse/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah DEU.27.17, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curse/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law.[↗](../../curse/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah DEU.27.23, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curse/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough.[↗](../../curse/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah DEU.28.17, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curse/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.[↗](../../curse/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.3.1, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curse/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") · Thou wilt give them hardness of heart, Thy curse unto them.[↗](../../curse/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings LAM.3.65, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curse/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") · I have seen the foolish taking root; but suddenly I beheld his habitation cursed.[↗](../../curse/#x14 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.5.3, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curse/#x14 "tree and pragmatics") **cursive** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (noun) Joined-up handwriting, in which the letters of a word are connected by flowing strokes: «We are learning cursive».[↗](../../cursive/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (adjective) Written with joined, flowing letters: «cursive writing», «a cursive font».[↗](../../cursive/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* We practise cursive every morning in Year 3.[↗](../../cursive/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandma's letters are in beautiful cursive.[↗](../../cursive/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Some children find cursive faster than printing.[↗](../../cursive/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Can you read the cursive on this old postcard?[↗](../../cursive/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The invitation was printed in a curly cursive font.[↗](../../cursive/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Joining the letters is the trick to cursive writing.[↗](../../cursive/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · My teacher says neat cursive helps spelling.[↗](../../cursive/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **curt** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Curt means rudely short: a curt reply uses very few words and sounds cold or unfriendly.[↗](../../curt/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (rare) Curt can mean simply brief or short.[↗](../../curt/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* «No,» she said in a curt voice.[↗](../../curt/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · His curt reply made me feel silly for asking.[↗](../../curt/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The shopkeeper gave us a curt nod.[↗](../../curt/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Try not to be curt with your little sister.[↗](../../curt/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The email was curt: «Not today.»[↗](../../curt/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The coach was curt after the team lost.[↗](../../curt/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · I'm sorry I was so curt with you this morning.[↗](../../curt/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **curtail** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (formal) To cut something short or make it smaller, less or shorter, often against people's wishes.[↗](../../curtail/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (formal) To limit or reduce someone's freedom or power.[↗](../../curtail/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Rain curtailed the cricket match.[↗](../../curtail/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The school trip was curtailed because a storm was coming.[↗](../../curtail/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The council has curtailed spending on the parks.[↗](../../curtail/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · (formal) The new rules curtail the use of phones in class.[↗](../../curtail/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Our holiday was curtailed when Grandma fell ill.[↗](../../curtail/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The king tried to curtail the power of the lords.[↗](../../curtail/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · (formal) Candidates must curtail their answers to two hundred words.[↗](../../curtail/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · I have reduced the pieces of advice to three, and curtailed somewhat.[↗](../../curtail/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **curtain** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A curtain is a piece of cloth that hangs over a window to block light or stop people looking in.[↗](../../curtain/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A curtain is also the big cloth across the front of a stage in a theatre.[↗](../../curtain/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* A curtain of something is a thick wall of it, like a curtain of rain.[↗](../../curtain/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Please close the curtains; it's getting dark.[↗](../../curtain/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · She opened the curtains and let the sun in.[↗](../../curtain/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The curtain went up and the play began.[↗](../../curtain/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Keep candles away from the curtains.[↗](../../curtain/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Tie up curtain cords so little kids can't reach them.[↗](../../curtain/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · We hid behind the curtain in hide-and-seek.[↗](../../curtain/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · A curtain of rain swept across the field.[↗](../../curtain/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · The actors came out for a curtain call.[↗](../../curtain/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · She drew aside the curtains of the little bed.[↗](../../curtain/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.[↗](../../curtain/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah EXO.36.16, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curtain/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · And he coupled five curtains one to another; and the other five curtains he coupled one to another.[↗](../../curtain/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah EXO.36.10, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curtain/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · And he made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains he made them.[↗](../../curtain/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah EXO.36.14, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curtain/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") · Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain; (Writings PSA.104.2, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curtain/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") · I see the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian do tremble.[↗](../../curtain/#x14 "tree and pragmatics") (Prophets HAB.3.7, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curtain/#x14 "tree and pragmatics") · 'I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.[↗](../../curtain/#x15 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings SNG.1.5, JPS 1917)[↗](../../curtain/#x15 "tree and pragmatics") **curtly** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Curtly means in a short, rude, unfriendly way, using very few words.[↗](../../curtly/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* «No,» he said curtly, and shut the door.[↗](../../curtly/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The clerk curtly told us to wait.[↗](../../curtly/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The Caterpillar answered Alice curtly.[↗](../../curtly/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · She nodded curtly and walked away.[↗](../../curtly/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · He curtly refused to help.[↗](../../curtly/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The letter was curtly written.[↗](../../curtly/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · "I ain't tellin' no tales ter bad chilluns," said Uncle Remus curtly.[↗](../../curtly/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **curtsey** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A polite movement made by girls and women, bending the knees with one foot behind the other, to show respect, for example to a queen or at the end of a performance.[↗](../../curtsey/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (verb) To make a curtsey.[↗](../../curtsey/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Alice tried to curtsey as she fell.[↗](../../curtsey/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The ballet dancers curtseyed to the audience.[↗](../../curtsey/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · She curtseyed to the Queen and the Queen smiled.[↗](../../curtsey/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The maid bobbed a curtsey and left the room.[↗](../../curtsey/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Bow or curtsey when the music stops.[↗](../../curtsey/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Alice made a little curtsey to the Duchess.[↗](../../curtsey/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · ‘If you please, sire,’ said the Princess, dropping a curtsey.[↗](../../curtsey/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **curtsy** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A bow made by bending the knees, one foot behind the other, as a sign of respect, done by a girl or woman.[↗](../../curtsy/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To curtsy is to make such a bow.[↗](../../curtsy/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The little girl made a curtsy to the queen.[↗](../../curtsy/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · She curtsied and smiled.[↗](../../curtsy/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Always curtsy when you meet the Queen.[↗](../../curtsy/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **curvature** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Curvature is how much something curves or bends.[↗](../../curvature/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (medicine) A curvature of the spine is when the backbone bends sideways or too much.[↗](../../curvature/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* From the top of the mountain we could almost see the curvature of the Earth.[↗](../../curvature/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Ships disappear bottom first because of the Earth's curvature.[↗](../../curvature/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The curvature of the bridge makes it strong.[↗](../../curvature/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · A small circle has a greater curvature than a large one.[↗](../../curvature/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The doctor checked her back for any curvature of the spine.[↗](../../curvature/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The lens's curvature bends the light.[↗](../../curvature/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) … [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/96/) **97** [98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/98/) [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/99/) - ← previous: [page 96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/96/) - next →: [page 98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/98/) - ↑ back to [The English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/)