What does recurve mean?
Recurve is a formal and technical verb meaning to bend or curve backward, so that a straight line becomes a reverse arc. It can be used transitively, as in “the maker recurved the blade,” or intransitively, as when a beam recurves under pressure. The word is especially associated with archery, blades, limbs, cables, and other structures that bend away from their original line. It conveys a precise, slightly literary action rather than bending in any direction: the implication is a backward turn. Recurve also underlies the name of the recurve bow, whose limbs curve away from the archer and then back toward the target. In general writing, “bend back” is usually clearer, but recurve is valuable when technical precision or an archery context matters. Its Latin ancestry also connects it with English words associated with running, including recur and current.
verbTo bend or curve backward, so that something forms a reverse curve. It may be used transitively or intransitively.
- To bend or curve backward or away from a straight line.
"The bowmaker heated the limb so that it would recurve slightly toward the target."
"The bowmaker heated the limb so that it would recurve slightly toward the target."
"The metal beam began to recurve under the load, forming a shallow reverse arc."
A recurve bow does double duty: its limbs first bow outward and then curve back toward the target.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recurve come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from French recourber. It ultimately derives from Latin recurrere, formed from re- meaning “back” and currere meaning “to run,” and originally meant “to run back.” Its English meaning developed toward bending or turning something backward.
Related word forms
How recurve is actually used
Relatively formal and technical, though common in discussions of archery, blades, anatomy, engineering, and geometry. It can be used transitively with an object or intransitively when the subject itself bends; the ordinary phrase “bend back” is often clearer in casual writing.
Easily confused with recurve
To recurve is to bend or curve backward, whereas to recur is to happen or occur again.