arch [archarchesarchedarching] noun, verb, adjective BrE [ɑːtʃ] NAmE [ɑːrtʃ] noun 1. a curved structure that supports the weight of sth above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building •a bridge with three arches 2. a 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. the raised part of the foot formed by a curved section of bones 4. anything that forms a curved shape at the top •the delicate arch of her eyebrows
Word Origin: n. and v. Middle English Old French arche Latin arcus ‘bow’ adj. mid 17th cent. ↑arch- ‘rogue’ arch-scoundrel
Example Bank: •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. Derived Word: ↑archly
verb 1. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) if you arch part of your body, or if it arches, it moves and forms a curved shape •The cat arched its back and hissed. 2. intransitive to be in a curved line or shape across or over sth •Tall trees arched over the path. Verb forms:
Word Origin: n. and v. Middle English Old French arche Latin arcus ‘bow’ adj. mid 17th cent. ↑arch- ‘rogue’ arch-scoundrel
adjective usually before noun (often disapproving) seeming amused because you know more about a situation than other people •an arch tone of voice •He tapped the side of his nose in an uncharacteristically arch gesture.
Word Origin: n. and v. Middle English Old French arche Latin arcus ‘bow’ adj. mid 17th cent. ↑arch- ‘rogue’ arch-scoundrel
