rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryarchCurved shape
noun / verb

arch

ARCH/ɑːrtʃ/

A structure or outline curved upward over an opening.

A stone arch spans the passage.

Stone archway spans an empty passage.
Etymology
archLatinbow, arch

Latin arcus named both a bow and an arch, linking them through their curved shape. In architecture, that curve spans an opening and can carry weight.

In context

Practical Engineering4:17
… arch bridges use a curved element to transfer the bridge’s weight to supports using compression forces alone.
Every Kind of Bridge Explained in 15 Minutes

More examples

  • The cat arches its back.
  • The shoe supports the arch of her foot.
  • She arched one eyebrow in surprise.

Forms

arch · arches · arched · arching

Similar words

curve
Broader; does not necessarily form an arching structure.
vault
An arched ceiling or covering rather than any bowed structure.