curvy

The word 'curvy' is a modern English formation built upon the noun 'curve', which entered the language in the late 14th century from Latin curvus, meaning "bent, arched, curved". The Latin term itself is of uncertain origin, though it may be related to the Greek word kyrtos (convex, curved). The adjectival suffix '-y', of Germanic origin, is productively attached to nouns to indicate possession of that noun's quality. Thus, the literal construction "full of curves" logically evolved from its primary geometric sense to its common informal application describing the human form, emphasizing a silhouette defined by smooth, rounded bends rather than straight lines.

Structure: curv (curve) + y (adjective suffix) - curv: From Latin curvus (bent, curved). The functional role is the core root conveying the meaning of a bend or curve. - y: A native English suffix from Old English -ig, used to form adjectives meaning "characterized by; full of; having the quality of".