convex

/ˈkɑnˌvɛks/

/kɒnˈvɛks/

If something is bulging outwards in a curve, it's convex in shape. The surfaces of soccer balls, old television screens, and eyeballs are all convex in shape.

One of the most famous uses of a convex shape are the curving mirrors in a fun house. Not to be confused with its popular partner, the concave mirror, which curves inwards. How can you tell which is which? If you look like you're three feet tall and weigh 300 pounds, you're looking in a convex mirror. If you look like you're twelve feet tall weigh 30 pounds, you're looking in a concave mirror. Enjoy!

Definitions of convex

1. adjective

   curving or bulging outward
   synonyms: bulging

   bell-shaped

   having a convex shape that resembles a bell

   biconvex, convexo-convex, lenticular, lentiform

   convex on both sides; shaped like a lentil

   broken-backed, hogged

   (of a ship) so weakened as to sag at each end

   convexo-concave

   convex on one side and concave on the other with the convexity being greater than the concavity

   gibbose, gibbous

   (used of the moon) more than half full

   helmet-shaped

   having the convex shape of a helmet

   planoconvex

   flat on one side and convex on the other

   umbel-like, umbellate

   resembling an umbel in form

   protrusive

   thrusting outward

   antonyms:

   concave

   curving inward

   acetabular, cotyloid, cotyloidal

   of the cup-shaped socket that receives the head of the thigh bone

   biconcave, concavo-concave

   concave on both sides

   boat-shaped

   having a concave shape like a boat

   bowl-shaped

   having a concave shape with an open top like a bowl

   bursiform, pouch-shaped, pouchlike, saclike

   shaped like a pouch

   concavo-convex

   concave on one side and convex on the other with the concavity being greater than the convexity

   cuplike

   resembling the shape of a cup

   cupular, cupulate

   shaped like (or supporting) a cupule

   dish-shaped, dished, patelliform

   shaped like a dish or pan

   planoconcave

   flat on one side and concave on the other

   recessed

   resembling an alcove

   saucer-shaped

   having a concave shape like a saucer

   umbilicate

   depressed like a navel

   urn-shaped

   having a concave shape like an urn

   intrusive

   thrusting inward