First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1arc
noun \ˈärk\
: a line or shape that is curved like part of a circle
: a brightly glowing electric current that flows across an open space between two points (such as two electrodes)
Full Definition of ARC
1
: the apparent path described above and below the horizon by a celestial body (as the sun)
2
a : something arched or curved b : a curved path <the arc of a fly ball>
3
: a sustained luminous discharge of electricity across a gap in a circuit or between electrodes; also : arc lamp
4
: a continuous portion (as of a circle or ellipse) of a curved line
5
: degree measurement on the circumference of a circle —used especially in the phrase of arc <11 minutes 3 seconds of arc>
6
: a continuous progression or line of development <a story's dramatic arc>
See arc defined for English-language learners
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Origin of ARC
Middle English ark, from Anglo-French arc bow, from Latin arcus bow, arch, arc — more at arrow
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
2arc
verb
: to move or lie in a curving path : to follow an arc-shaped course
: to form an electric arc
arced\ˈärkt\arc·ing \ˈär-kiŋ\
Full Definition of ARC
intransitive verb
1
: to form an electric arc
2
: to follow an arc-shaped course
See arc defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ARC
1893
Related to ARC
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
3arc
adjective
Definition of ARC
: inverse 2 —used with the trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions
Origin of ARC
arc sine arc or angle (corresponding to the) sine (of so many degrees)
First Known Use: circa 1949
ARC
abbreviation
Definition of ARC
1
AIDS-related complex
2
American Red Cross
ARC Defined for Kids
1arc
noun \ˈärk\
Definition of ARC for Kids
1
: a glowing light across a gap in an electric circuit or between electrodes
2
: a part of a curved line between any two points on it
2arc
verb
arced \ˈärkt\arc·ing \ˈär-kiŋ\
Definition of ARC for Kids
1
: to form an electric arc
2
: to follow a curved course <A missile arced across the sky.>
Medical Dictionary
arc
noun \ˈärk\
Medical Definition of ARC
1
: an arched or curved anatomical part, distance, or pathway—see reflex arc
2
: a sustained luminous discharge of electricity across a gap in a circuit or between electrodes
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