# arc

/ˈɑɹk/ (US) · /ˈɑːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arc
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a curved shape

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a continuous segment of a circle's circumference or any other smooth curve.

- The rainbow formed a perfect arc across the sky after the storm.
- The architect designed the roof as a sweeping glass arc that mirrored the natural slope of the surrounding hills.

### 2. story development

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: the chronological construction of a plot or character development within a narrative.

- The main character has a great story arc, changing from a selfish person to a hero.
- Critics praised the television series for its complex character arcs, noting how even minor figures underwent significant psychological transformations over three seasons.

### 3. electrical spark

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a bright flash of electricity that jumps between two points.

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

- A blue arc of electricity jumped between the two wires when they got too close.
- The technician wore protective goggles to shield his eyes from the intense ultraviolet radiation produced by the welding arc.

### 5. to move in a curve

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: to follow a curved trajectory or to form the shape of a curve.

- The ball arced through the air and landed right in the basket.
- The comet arced across the northern hemisphere, its tail visible to the naked eye for several weeks during the winter months.

## Examples

- The main character has a very emotional story arc.
- Critics felt the villain's redemption arc was too rushed to be believable in the final season.
- The screenplay succeeds because it balances a complex political plot with a deeply personal character arc that resonates with the audience's own experiences of loss.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.