Arc — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adjective abbreviation abbreviation or noun /ˈärk/ (noun) /ˌā-ˌär-ˈsē/ (abbreviation or noun)

Meaning & Definition of Arc

Arc (noun)

  1. the apparent path described above and below the horizon by a celestial body (such as the sun)
  2. something arched or curved
  3. a curved path

Arc (verb)

  1. to form an electric arc
  2. to follow an arc-shaped course
  3. to throw, hit, or kick (something, such as a ball) on a high, arc-shaped course

Arc (adjective)

  1. inverse —used with the trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions

Arc (abbreviation)

  1. AIDS-related complex
  2. American Red Cross

Arc (abbreviation or noun)

  1. a copy of a printed work (such as a novel or textbook) sent as a promotion prior to the official release

Arc (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that curves or is curved

    "the stars seemed to align themselves into one vast glittering arc"

    similar: angle, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, curve, inflection, turn, wind
    related: kink, warp, circle, ring, ringlet, round, coil, curl, curlicue, buckle, convolution, flexure, fold, loop, spiral, swirl, twist, winding, incurvature, reflection, decline, inclination, incline, slope, corner, turnoff, dogleg, hairpin

Arc (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to turn away from a straight line or course

    "the ball arced toward the batter and nearly hit him"

    similar: arch, bend, bow, crook, curve, fall off, hook, round, sweep, swerve, trend, wheel
    related: circle, coil, curlicue, curl, loop, spiral, turn, twist, wind, deviate, veer
    opposite: straighten

Related Entry: Arc lamp (noun)

Arc lamp is a different word from Arc. The synonyms below are for arc lamp, not for arc.

  1. as in sun lamp, fluorescent lamp

    similar: candelabra, candelabrum, candle, chandelier, dark lantern, flare, flash, flashbulb, flashcube, flashlight, floodlight, fluorescent lamp, gaslight, gasolier, girandole, headlight, incandescent lamp, klieg light, lantern, light bulb, lighthouse, lighting, sconce, spotlight, streetlight, sun lamp, beacon, illuminant, lamp

Related Entry: Arc lamps (noun)

Arc lamps is a different word from Arc. The synonyms below are for arc lamps, not for arc.

  1. as in sun lamps, fluorescent lamps

    similar: candelabra, candelabras, candles, chandeliers, dark lanterns, flares, flashbulbs, flashcubes, flashes, flashlights, floodlights, fluorescent lamps, gaslights, gasoliers, girandoles, headlights, incandescent lamps, klieg lights, lanterns, light bulbs, lighthouses, lightings, sconces, spotlights, streetlights, sun lamps, beacons, illuminants, lamps

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Arc

The most common words with a similar meaning to Arc:

angle, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, curve, inflection, turn, wind, fall off, hook, round, sweep, swerve, trend, wheel

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Arc

Words with the opposite meaning of Arc:

straighten

Related Words for Arc

kink, warp, circle, ring, ringlet, coil, curl, curlicue, buckle, convolution, flexure, fold, loop, spiral, swirl, twist, winding, incurvature, reflection, decline, inclination, incline, slope, corner, turnoff, dogleg, hairpin, deviate, veer

Word Forms of Arc

Inflections: arcs, arced, arcing, ARCs

Origin & Etymology of Arc

Middle English ark, from Anglo-French arc bow, from Latin arcus bow, arch, arc arrow

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Arc

arc cosine, arc lamp, arc minute, arc second, reflex arc

Frequently Asked Questions about Arc

What does "Arc" mean?

"Arc" means the apparent path described above and below the horizon by a celestial body (such as the sun). As an a noun, a verb, an adjective, an abbreviation and an abbreviation or noun, it is defined as: the apparent path described above and below the horizon by a celestial body (such as the sun). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Arc"?

Other words for "Arc" include angle, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, curve and inflection. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Arc" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Arc"?

There are 46 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Arc". Common alternatives include angle, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, curve, inflection, turn and wind.

What is the opposite of "Arc"?

Antonyms of "Arc" include straighten.

How do you use "Arc" in a sentence?

Examples of "Arc" in a sentence: "the stars seemed to align themselves into one vast glittering arc"; "the ball arced toward the batter and nearly hit him".

Is "Arc" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Arc" can be used as a noun, a verb, an adjective, an abbreviation and an abbreviation or noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Arc"?

"Arc" is pronounced /ˈärk/ as a noun and /ˌā-ˌär-ˈsē/ as an abbreviation or noun.

What is the origin of the word "Arc"?

"Arc" comes from Middle English ark, from Anglo-French arc bow, from Latin arcus bow, arch, arc arrow. First known use: 14th century.