[] a line on a graph that shows the relationship between two things 曲线◆the unemployment-income curve (= showing the relationship between the number of unemployed people and national income) 失业与国民收入曲线◆The new range of clothing has made their sales curve steeper. 新系列服装的销售曲线较陡。⨁a flat / shallow / steep curve 平坦的／浅的／陡的曲线⨁a curve flattens / steepens 曲线变平／变陡⨁to plot a curve (on a graph) （在图上）绘出一条曲线
the curve [] the general level of skill, knowledge, etc. that exists in a particular industry or area of activity （某行业或领域技能、知识等的）一般水平◆We invest a lot in research to try to stay ahead of the curve. 为了超越同行业的一般水平，我们在研究方面做了大量投资。