arch Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
  2. noun a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet)
  3. noun a passageway under a curved masonry construction
    archway.
    • they built a triumphal arch to memorialize their victory
  4. noun (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
  5. verb form an arch or curve
    curve; arc.
    • her back arches
    • her hips curve nicely
  6. adjective satellite (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
    patronizing; patronising; condescending.
  7. adjective satellite expert in skulduggery
    • an arch criminal
  8. adjective satellite naughtily or annoyingly playful
    pixilated; impish; puckish; prankish; mischievous; implike; wicked.
    • teasing and worrying with impish laughter
    • a wicked prank

WordNet

Arch noun
Etymology
F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus. See Arc.
Definitions
  1. (Geom.) Any part of a curved line.
  2. (Arch.) (a) 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 (i. e., semicircular), or pointed. (b) 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." Milton.
Arch transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Arched present participle & verbal noun Arching
Definitions
  1. To cover with an arch or arches.
  2. To form or bend into the shape of an arch.
    The horse arched his neck. Charlesworth.
Arch intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To form into an arch; to curve.
Arch adjective
Etymology
See Arch-, pref.
Definitions
  1. Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
    The most arch act of piteous massacre. Shak.
  2. Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad.
    [He] spoke his request with so arch a leer. Tatler.
Arch noun
Etymology
See Arch-, pref.
Definitions
  1. A chief. Obs.
    My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. Shak.
*arch
Etymology
Gr. chief, commander, to rule. See Arch, a.
Definitions
  1. A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).

Webster 1913