Definition 1 of 2
Definition
The curvature of an airfoil, measured as the difference between the chord line (a straight line from the leading edge to the trailing edge) and the mean camber line (a curved line drawn equidistant between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing). An airfoil with greater curvature is described as having more camber.
Plain English
How curved or arched a wing is when you look at its cross-section. A flatter wing has less camber; a more arched wing has more camber.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying how flaps change wing shape during takeoff, approach, and landing.
Derivation
From the Old French 'cambre' meaning 'curved' or 'arched,' which traces back to the Latin 'camur' meaning 'curved inward.' The word is used in many fields (roads, ship decks, car wheels) to describe a slight arch -- in aviation, it describes the arch of the wing.
Why Pilots Care
Flaps increase camber to produce more lift at lower speeds, which helps during takeoff and landing.
Grounding Statement
Picture the side view of the wing becoming more curved when the flaps go down.
Intuition Check
Camber does not mean the wing is tilted up or down. It means the wing shape itself is more or less curved.
Example Sentence 1
Extending the flaps increases the wing's camber, producing more lift at lower airspeeds.
Example Sentence 2
Greater camber from the flaps let the airplane maintain altitude while reducing speed on final approach.