Dictionary
1arch
noun \ˈärch\
: a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and that supports a wall or other weight above the opening
: the raised area on the bottom of the foot that is formed by a curved section of bones
: something that has a curved shape
Full Definition of ARCH
1
: a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)
2
a : something resembling an arch in form or function; especially : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it b : a curvature having the form of an arch
3
: archway
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Illustration of ARCH
Origin of ARCH
Middle English arche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *arca, from Latin arcus — more at arrow
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Architecture Terms
2arch
verb
: to bend into the shape of an arch
Full Definition of ARCH
transitive verb
1
: to cover or provide with an arch
2
: to form into an arch
intransitive verb
1
: to form an arch
2
: to take an arch-shaped course
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First Known Use of ARCH
15th century
3arch
adjective
: having or showing an amused feeling of being superior to or knowing more than other people
Full Definition of ARCH
2
a : mischievous, saucy b : marked by a deliberate and often forced playfulness, irony, or impudence <known for her arch comments> <decided to answer them by being teacherly in a sort of arch, Olympian way — Gerald Early>
— arch·ness noun
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Origin of ARCH
1arch-
First Known Use: 1547
Related to ARCH
- Synonyms
- foremost, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
4arch
abbreviation
Definition of ARCH
1
2
Arch
abbreviation
Definition of ARCH
Archbishop
ARCH Defined for Kids
1arch
noun \ˈärch\
Definition of ARCH for Kids
1
: a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and serves as a support (as for the wall above the opening)
2
: something that has a curved shape like an arch <the arch of the foot>
— arched \ˈärcht\ adjective <an arched doorway>
2arch
verb
archedarch·ing
Definition of ARCH for Kids
1
: to form or shape into an arch : curve <The cat arched her back.>
2
: to cover with an arch <Tree branches arched the narrow road.>
3arch
adjective
Definition of ARCH for Kids
2
: being clever and mischievous <an arch look>
— arch·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
arch
noun \ˈärch\
Medical Definition of ARCH
1
: an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: as a : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it: (1) : a longitudinal arch supported posteriorly by the basal tuberosity of the calcaneus and anteriorly by the heads of the metatarsal bones (2) : a transverse arch consisting of the metatarsals and first row of tarsals and resulting from elevation of the central anterior portion of the median longitudinal arch b : arch of the aorta
2
: a fingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn
Illustration of ARCH
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