arch¹ Definition
arch (ärc̸h)
noun
- a curved structure, as of masonry, that supports the weight of material over an open space, as in a bridge, doorway, etc.
- any similar structure, as a monument
- the form of an arch
- anything shaped like an arch; specif., an archlike anatomical part the dental arch, arch of the foot, etc.
Etymology: ME < OFr arche < ML arca < L arcus, arch: see arc
transitive verb
- to provide with an arch or arches
- to cause to take the form of an arch; curve or bend
- to span as an arch
intransitive verb
to form an arch
arch² Definition
arch (ärc̸h)
adjective
- main; chief; principal the arch villain
- clever; crafty
- gaily mischievous; pert an arch look
Etymology: < arch-; with changed meaning because of use in archknave, archrogue
Arch Definition
Arch
- archaic
- archipelago
- architecture
arch Synonyms
arch
modif.
arch Synonyms
arch
n.
arch Synonyms
arch
v.
arch Usage Examples
Converse of object
- chamfer: In the third bay from the west is a doorway with a two-centred, chamfered arch of two orders.
- relieve: About 2m higher up is relieving arch of shale blocks on edge.
Adjective modifier
- two-centred: A modern wooden screen below a two-centred arch divides the chamber from the north aisle.
- four-centred: Four-centred arch at west end leads back to tower.
- triumphal: On the triumphal arch of Titus in Rome there is a carving of Titus ascending to heaven.
- pointed: The arcade is much earlier, the latest Transitional style, the attempts at leaf decoration, the hint of a pointed arch.
- round-headed: East wall: round-headed tower arch of two orders, springing from wall.
- segmental: North wall:- organ set in a recess under a segmental arch.
Modifies a noun
- nemesis: But his arch nemesis, the powerful and bizarre Dr.Evil, is planning to hold the world hostage for a large ransom.
- rival: IKEA's arch rival MFI is reported to be following the situation closely.
Noun used with modifier
- chancel: Above the chancel arch, there is a doom painting.
- proscenium: These two books between them stand like pillars of a proscenium arch, framing the perspectives of the looming twentieth century.
- ogee: One 14th century window has an elegant curved ogee arch and there are attractively carved corbels around other windows.
- lever: Try resting on a lever arch file, or a purpose made or purchased angled desk top.
- masonry: Timber chocking next ensured a close and continuous support for the remaining masonry arch rings.
Preposition: of
- voussoir: The south wall has a round-headed entrance arch of voussoirs, now fitted with a pair of modern wrought iron gates.
- viaduct: The bricks were needed to turn the arches of the viaduct and line Blea Moor Tunnel.
Preposition: with
- hoodmould: It has a two-centred arch with a renewed hoodmould over three cinquefoiled, two-centred lights with foiled panel tracery above.
- voussoir: South wall: two-centred, almost round-headed, arch with voussoirs of edge stones; two low wooden gates close off entrance.
- chamfer: East wall: a high four-centred arch with chamfers, and much like the arcade arches.
Browse dictionary entries near arch
- ‹ arcanum
- ‹ arcane
- ‹ Arcady
- ‹ Arcadian
- ‹ Arcadia
- ‹ arcade
- ‹ arc welding
- ‹ arc lamp
- ‹ arc furnace
- ‹ arc
- arch- ›
- -arch ›
- archaea ›
- Archaean ›
- archaebacteria ›
- archaeo- ›
- archaeoastronomy ›
- archaeologist ›
- archaeology ›
- archaeopteryx ›

