arch
An arch is a curved shape that is high in the center with the ends pointing down.
(noun)An upside down U is an example of an arch.
The definition of arch as a prefix means to be primary or first.
(prefix)An example of usage of the prefix arch- is in the word archenemy, meaning your greatest enemy.
To arch is defined as to create a curved shape that is higher in the middle, sometimes by moving your body into a position that resembles that shape.
(verb)An example of arch is to raise your eyebrows.
The definition of arch means to be the epitome or consummate of a type.
(prefix)An example of usage of the prefix arch is in the word archconservative, meaning most representative of a conservative.
See arch in Webster's New World College Dictionary
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.
Origin: 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
adjective
- main; chief; principal: the arch villain
- clever; crafty
- gaily mischievous; pert: an arch look
Origin: < arch-; with changed meaning because of use in archknave, archrogue
or arch
- archaic
- archipelago
- architecture
Origin: ME arche- < OE arce- < L archi-, arch- < Gr archos, first, ruler < archein, begin, rule
Origin: < Gr archos: see arch-
See arch in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A structure, especially one of masonry, forming the curved, pointed, or flat upper edge of an open space and supporting the weight above it, as in a bridge or doorway.
- A structure, such as a freestanding monument, shaped like an inverted U.
- A curve with the ends down and the middle up: the arch of a raised eyebrow.
- Anatomy An organ or structure having a curved or bowlike appearance, especially either of two arched sections of the bony structure of the foot.
- To provide with an arch: arch a passageway.
- To cause to form an arch or similar curve.
- To bend backward: The dancers alternately arched and hunched their backs.
- To span: “the rude bridge that arched the flood” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Origin:
Origin: Middle English
Origin: , from Old French arche
Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *arca
Origin: , from Latin arcus
.
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arch1
semicircular arch
A. keystone B. voussoirs C. springers D. impostsadjective
- Chief; principal: their arch foe.
- Mischievous; roguish: an arch glance.
Origin:
Origin: From arch-1
.Related Forms:
- archˈly adverb
- archˈness noun
- a. archaicb. archaism
- archipelago
- a. architectb. architecture
- Chief; highest; most important: archenemy.
- Extreme or most characteristic of its kind: archconservative.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English arche-
Origin: , from Old English ǽrce-
Origin: and from Old French arche-
Origin: , both from Latin archi-
Origin: , from Greek arkhi-, archi-
.Origin:
Origin: Middle English -arche
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Late Latin -archa
Origin: , from Latin -archēs
Origin: , from Greek -arkhēs
Origin: , from arkhos, ruler
Origin: , from arkhein, to rule
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