irregular curve, drawing curve, aircraft curve, French curve definition

Known as a French curve, drawing curve, irregular curve or aircraft curve, this skinny, clear, hard material (often plastic), is shaped in a scroll or curved form in order to lead its user past a number of points not found along the curve of a circle.  It comes in several forms and sizes and is often named in connection to the particular work it is created for - such as the ship curve employed in ship designs.  Draftpersons and artists frequently use French curves in their work.