arch
UK[ɑːtʃ]US[ɑːrtʃ]
n
a curved structure that supports the weight of something above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building
n
something with a curved shape like an arch, such as the raised part of the foot
v
to form or make something form a curved shape
adj
(of an emotion or quality) most extreme or greatest
Etymology
The journey of 'arch' begins with the Proto-Indo-European root h₂erkʷ-, which carried the sense of holding or guarding. This evolved into the Latin 'arcus', signifying a 'bow'—an object that holds and releases tension—as well as an 'arch' or 'vault'. The term passed into Old French as 'arche' before entering Middle English. The core concept of a curved, supportive structure was retained throughout this linguistic transmission. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe any similarly curved shape, the action of forming such a shape, and, as an adjective, a principal or chief quality, though this latter sense is now largely confined to compound forms like 'arch-enemy'.
Analysis
The word 'arch' is a simplex word. It entered English from Old French 'arche', which derived from Latin 'arcus', meaning 'bow' or 'arc'. The Latin term is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root h₂erkʷ-, meaning 'to hold, contain, guard', which also relates to the concept of a bow as a weapon that holds and releases tension.
Examples
The ancient Roman aqueduct is supported by a series of stone arches.
She arched her back in a graceful stretch.
He watched with an arch expression of amusement.