hockey-stick curvenoun.
A curve that resembles the shape of a hockey stick and that represents a phenomenon that begins slowly and then takes off.
Example Citation:
" 'In 1995 and 1996 everyone did their market research, saw the big hockey-stick curve, and jumped into the market,' Grzyb added. 'In 1997, the market is getting to the early adopter stage. In 1998, you'll see the hockey stick spiking up dramatically.' "
—Susan Moran, "Different camps squaring off in E-commerce market," Computer Dealer News
