Definition of arch noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary



    BrE BrE//ɑːtʃ//
    ; NAmE NAmE//ɑːrtʃ//
    Structures, Body parts, Architectural features, Historic buildings
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  1. 1a curved structure that supports the weight of something above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building a bridge with three arches See related entries: Structures, Architectural features, Historic buildings
  2. 2a structure with a curved top that is supported by straight sides, sometimes forming an entrance or built as a monument Go through the arch and follow the path. Marble Arch is a famous London landmark.
  3. 3the raised part of the foot formed by a curved section of bones See related entries: Body parts
  4. 4anything that forms a curved shape at the top the delicate arch of her eyebrows see also arched
  5. Word Originnoun Middle English: from Old French arche, based on Latin arcus ‘bow’.Extra examples Homeless people slept under the railway arches. Mean little houses clustered under the railway arches. The branches of the trees formed an arch over the bench. This huge triumphal arch was erected at the beginning of this century. We rode under the arch. a performance space with a traditional proscenium arch an old theatre with a proscenium arch the graceful arches of the bridge He studied the delicate arch of her eyebrows and the smooth curve of her jaw.
See the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary entry: arch