arch

¹arch

noun \ˈärch\

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

Examples of ARCH

1. There was a slight arch to her eyebrows.
2. an arch in the cat's back

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

Related to ARCH

Synonyms: angle, arc, bend, bow, crook, curvature, curve, inflection, turn, wind

Related Words: kink, warp; circle, ring, ringlet, round; coil, curl, curlicue (also curlycue); buckle, convolution, flexure, fold, loop, spiral, swirl, twist, winding; incurvature, reflection; decline, inclination, incline, slope; corner, turnoff; dogleg, hairpin

[+]more[-]hide

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

Rhymes with ARCH

larch, march, parch, starch