arch
n. · v. · adj.-
1 curved structure (n.) B1 Intermediatea curved structure that supports the weight of something above it, like a bridge or a doorway.
a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.
ExampleThe train passed under a stone arch as it entered the old city.
ExampleThe cathedral's soaring arches were designed to distribute the massive weight of the stone roof outward to the supporting buttresses.
-
2 part of the foot (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicinethe curved part of the bottom of your foot between the toes and the heel.
the curved part of the human foot between the toes and the heel, which provides structural support for the body's weight.
ExampleHe bought special shoes because he has high arches and needs extra support.
ExampleLong-distance runners often require footwear with specific cushioning to prevent the arch of the foot from collapsing under repetitive stress.
- instep
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 to curve (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto form a curved shape.
to form or cause to form the shape of an arch; often used intransitively to describe a physical movement.
ExampleThe cat arched its back when it saw the dog enter the room.
ExampleThe bridge arches gracefully over the river, connecting the historic district with the modern commercial centre.
-
4 mischievous or knowing (adj.) C1 Advanced Literaryacting like you know a secret or find something funny in a clever way.
deliberately or affectedly playful and teasing; conveying the impression that one possesses secret or superior knowledge.
ExampleShe gave him an arch look when he tried to hide the surprise gift.
ExampleThe professor raised an arch eyebrow at the student's creative, if somewhat improbable, explanation for the missing assignment.
-
5 principal or chief (adj.) C2 Proficiency Formalthe most important or main person of a certain type, often used with negative words.
chief or principal; most extreme of its kind. Often used as a prefix or in combination with nouns denoting negative roles.
ExampleIn the story, the hero finally defeats his arch enemy.
ExampleThe diplomat was known as an arch-conservative, resisting any policy change that threatened the traditional social order.
UsageUsually appears before the noun it modifies.
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂erkʷ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂erkʷos Proto-Italic *arkuos Latin arcus Old French arc Old French archebor. Middle English arch English arch From Middle English arch, arche, from Old French arche (“an arch”), a feminine form of arc, from Latin arcus (“a bow, arc, arch”). Doublet of arc and arco. Displaced native Old English bīeġels.
Etymology tree Ancient Greek ἄρχω (árkhō) Ancient Greek ἀρχι- (arkhi-)der. Latin archi-bor. Old English arċe- Middle English arch- English arch- English arch From the prefix arch-. "Principal" is the original sense; "mischievous" is via onetime frequent collocation with rogue, knave, etc.
Etymology tree Ancient Greek ἄρχω (árkhō) Ancient Greek ᾰ̓ρχῐ- (ărkhĭ-) Proto-Indo-European *teḱ- Proto-Indo-European *tetḱ- Proto-Indo-European *-ō Proto-Indo-European *tétḱō Proto-Hellenic *téktōn Ancient Greek τέκτων (téktōn) Ancient Greek ἀρχιτέκτων (arkhitéktōn)bor. Latin architectus Proto-Indo-European *-tew-? Proto-Indo-European *-r-eh₂? Latin -tūra Latin architectūralbor. French architecturebor. English architectureclip. English arch Clipping of architecture.