Noun

1. inquisitiveness; the tendency to ask questions, investigate, or explore

   Cats have a natural curiosity that sometimes gets them in trouble.

   Out of curiosity, why are you wearing your shirt backwards? (means, "I am just wondering")

2. A unique or extraordinary object which arouses interest.

   He kept the strangely shaped rock as a curiosity.

Quotations

• 1956 — Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p 39

  "Certainly there is nothing wrong with Alvin's intelligence, but many of the things that should concern him seem to be a matter of complete indifference. On the other hand, he shows a morbid curiosity regarding subjects which we do not generally discuss."