noun
Common
arc
ahk
Arc (noun) means a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle. Example: “The fireworks left a bright arc of light against the dark sky.”
noun
1
A curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle.
"The fireworks left a bright arc of light against the dark sky."
"The ball traced a wide arc across the sky."
"The bridge's cables form a graceful arc."
2
A story's overall shape or progression, especially a character's emotional or moral development.
"Over three seasons, the heroine's arc takes her from timid student to confident leader."
"The novel's main arc follows a family slowly learning to forgive each other."
"The show gave its villain a surprisingly sympathetic character arc."
3
A glowing discharge of electricity jumping across a gap, as in welding.
"The welder lowered her mask as the arc flared blue-white against the metal."
"A loose connection can cause a dangerous arc inside an old fuse box."
"Sparks flew as the electric arc jumped between the terminals."
verb
1
To move or curve along a path shaped like an arc.
"Sparks arced from the broken cable and fizzled out on the wet floor."
"The footballer watched the ball arc high above the keeper's outstretched hands."
"The rocket arced over the launch pad and out to sea."
How to use arc
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA curved line or path — or, in storytelling, the shape a character's journey takes over time.
Common pairings
story arc
character arc
electric arc
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- arcs
- Past tense
- arced, arcked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fireworks left a bright _____ of light against the dark sky.
Etymology
From Latin arcus, "a bow or arch", the same root that gives us "arch" and "arrow".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for arc
See all rhymes for arc →Frequently asked questions
What does “arc” mean?
The word “arc” means a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle. In plain terms, a curved line or path — or, in storytelling, the shape a character's journey takes over time.
How do you pronounce “arc”?
“Arc” is pronounced ahk (/ɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “arc” in a sentence?
Here is “arc” used in a sentence: “The ball traced a wide arc across the sky.”
What part of speech is “arc”?
Depending on how it is used, “arc” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “arc” come from?
The word “arc” comes from Latin. From Latin arcus, "a bow or arch", the same root that gives us "arch" and "arrow".
Is “arc” a common word?
“Arc” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “arc” have?
“Arc” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle.
What is the difference between 'arc' and 'arch'?
An 'arc' is a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle, and it also describes a story's overall shape or a character's development. An 'arch' is a curved physical structure that spans an opening, such as a doorway or bridge, though the two words are related in the idea of a curve.
What is the difference between 'arc' and 'ark'?
These are homophones that sound alike but mean different things. An 'arc' is a curved line or a story's progression, while an 'ark' is a large boat, most famously Noah's ark; only 'arc' carries the meaning of a curve or narrative shape.
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