Kurvid

Kurvid is the Estonian plural noun meaning curves or bends. It is formed from the singular kurv, which denotes a curved line, a bend in an object, or a feature that is not straight. In everyday language, kurvid describes winding sections of roads, river bends, or architectural curves, and it is used across natural and built environments.

In mathematics and geometry, a curve is a locus of points forming a continuous line that deviates from a straight path. The concept of curvature describes how sharply the direction of a curve changes at each point; a straight line has zero curvature, while other curves have positive curvature. Curves can be described by equations or by parametric representations.

In road design and civil engineering, kurvid refer to horizontal and vertical curves on transportation routes. Each curve has a radius of curvature, a central angle, and a curve length, which influence required speed, sight distance, and steering effort. To maintain safety and comfort, designers use appropriate radii, sometimes incorporating superelevation (banking) and gradual transitions between straight and curved segments. Signage, chevrons, and rumble strips guide drivers through curves.

In culture and language, kurvid appear in descriptions of natural landscapes and built forms, and the term is frequently found in maps, road atlases, and technical texts in Estonian. The term is closely related to the singular kurv and to the general concept of curves in mathematics or design.