WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Arch
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus. See Arc.]
Definition : 1. (Geom.)

Defn: 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.

Note: 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. Triumphal arch, a monumental structure resembling an arched gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate a triumph.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Arch
Part of Speech : v. t. [imp. & p. p. Arched; p. pr. & vb. n. Arching.]
Definition : 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.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Arch
Part of Speech : v. i.
Definition : Defn: To form into an arch; to curve.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Arch
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [See Arch-, pref.]
Definition : 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.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Arch
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [See Arch-, pref.]
Definition : Defn: A chief. [Obs.] My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. Shak.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : *arch.
Etymology : [Gr. Arch, a.]
Definition : Defn: A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913