English Reference
noun · verb

arc

n. · v.
US /ˈɑɹk/ UK /ˈɑːk/ arc UK spelling ARCS

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Math

    n.a part of a circle or any smooth, curved line.

    n.a continuous segment of a circle's circumference or any other smooth curve.

    Simple

    The rainbow formed a perfect arc across the sky after the storm.

    In context

    The architect designed the roof as a sweeping glass arc that mirrored the natural slope of the surrounding hills.

    straight line
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    n.the way a character or story changes and develops from the beginning to the end.

    n.the chronological construction of a plot or character development within a narrative.

    Simple

    The main character has a great story arc, changing from a selfish person to a hero.

    In context

    Critics praised the television series for its complex character arcs, noting how even minor figures underwent significant psychological transformations over three seasons.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.a bright flash of electricity that jumps between two points.

    n.a luminous bridge of light formed by an electrical discharge across an insulating medium such as air.

    Simple

    A blue arc of electricity jumped between the two wires when they got too close.

    In context

    The technician wore protective goggles to shield his eyes from the intense ultraviolet radiation produced by the welding arc.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to move in a shape like a curve or a part of a circle.

    v.to follow a curved trajectory or to form the shape of a curve.

    Simple

    The ball arced through the air and landed right in the basket.

    In context

    The comet arced across the northern hemisphere, its tail visible to the naked eye for several weeks during the winter months.


Etymology 1

An abbreviation.

Etymology 2

From Spanish ARC.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated