arc

noun
UK: /ɑːk/
US: /ɑːrk/

  1. A curved line or shape.

    1. The rainbow formed a beautiful arc in the sky. [ ] [ ]
    2. The bridge's design features a graceful arc spanning the river. [ ] [ ]

  2. A part of a circle.

    1. The angle is subtended by the arc of the circle. [ ] [ ]
    2. Calculate the length of the arc using the given radius and angle. [ ] [ ]

  3. A bright light produced when an electric current passes between two points.

    1. The welder created an arc of light as he joined the metal. [ ] [ ]
    2. Electrical arcing can occur if the wiring is not properly insulated. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

trajectory bend curve segment arch
arc intransitive-verb

  1. To form a curved line or shape.

    1. The cat's back began to arc as it prepared to jump. [ ] [ ]
    2. The football arced through the air before landing in the receiver's hands. [ ] [ ]

  2. To move in a curved path.

    1. The plane arced around for another pass, before finally landing. [ ] [ ]
    2. The diver arced gracefully into the pool, barely making a splash. [ ] [ ]

  3. To produce an electrical arc.

    1. The faulty wiring caused the electricity to arc dangerously. [ ] [ ]
    2. Be careful to avoid any contact, as the equipment might arc. [ ] [ ]
arc transitive-verb

  1. To cause to move in a curved path.

    1. He arced the ball over the defender's head, making the goal. [ ] [ ]
    2. The pitcher arced the ball towards home plate in the last inning. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "arc" in English means: A curved line or shape., A part of a circle., A bright light produced when an electric current passes between two points..

The phonetic transcription of "arc" is /ɑːk/ in British English and /ɑːrk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "arc": trajectory, bend, curve, segment, arch.

Example usage of "arc": "The rainbow formed a beautiful arc in the sky.". More examples on the page.