Arch
Arch (arch) , noun
[French arche, from Late Latin arca, for arcus. See Arc.]
1.
(Geometry) Any part of a curved line.
2.
(a) (Architecture) Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (that is, semicircular), or pointed.
(b)
(Architecture) A flat arch is a member constructed of stones cut into wedges or other shapes so as to support each other without rising in a curve.
Scientifically considered, the arch is a means of spanning an opening by resolving vertical pressure into horizontal or diagonal thrust.
3.
Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.
4.
Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta.
Colors of the showery arch.
Collocations (1)
Triumphal arch , a monumental structure resembling an arched gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate a triumph.
Arch (archt) , transitive verb
1.
To cover with an arch or arches.
2.
To form or bend into the shape of an arch.
The horse arched his neck.
Arch , intransitive verb
To form into an arch; to curve.
Arch- (arch-, except in archangel and one or two other words)
[Latin arch-, Greek 'arch- = 'archi-. See Arch-.]
A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend.
Arch (arch) , adjective
[See Arch-, pref.]
1.
Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
The most arch act of piteous massacre.
2.
Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad.
[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
Arch , noun
[See Arch-, pref.]
A chief. [Obsolete]
My worthy arch and patron comes to-night.
-arch ({not transcribed}) , adjective
[Greek 'archo`s chief, commander, 'a`rchein to rule. See Arch, a.]
A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).