: having (such) a point or (so many) points of origin
endarch
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As a prefix, arch- appears in a number of titles referring to positions of superiority, such as archduke and archbishop; it can also mean "chief" (as in archnemesis) or "extreme" (archconservative). It comes from the Greek verb archein, meaning "to begin or to rule."
Noun
There was a slight arch to her eyebrows.
an arch in the cat's back Verb
The cat arched its back.
She arched her eyebrows in surprise.
A tree arches over the road.
She arched backward to begin the exercise. Adjective
a politician known for his arch humor
The novel is never mocking or arch in its tone.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
To borrow the governor’s golden arches analogy, think of it as McDonald’s raising prices until customers take their chances at a mall food court.—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2024 McDonald’s just unveiled another new offering for fans of the golden arches: a $5 meal deal.—Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024
Verb
As the plant matures, the arching branches and gracefully drooping stem tips hug the ground.—Nadia Hassani, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2024 There was live music, a table arched by a spread, gold balloons and a champagne toast.—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Just keep in mind that while cushioning in the heel can be good for immediate, mild relief, rigid arch support should be your priority if your pain is chronic.—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 25 June 2024 What are some signs that my running shoes don’t have enough arch support?—Suzie Glassman, Health, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for arch
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English arche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *arca, from Latin arcus — more at arrow
Middle English arche-, arch-, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English arce-, from Late Latin arch- & Latin archi-; Anglo-French arch-, from Late Latin arch- & Latin archi-, from Greek arch-, archi-, from archein to begin, rule; akin to Greek archē beginning, rule, archos ruler
Noun combining form
Middle English -arche, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French -arche, from Late Latin -archa, from Latin -arches, -archus, from Greek -archēs, -archos, from archein
: an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: as
a
: either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it:
(1)
: a longitudinal arch supported posteriorly by the basal tuberosity of the calcaneus and anteriorly by the heads of the metatarsal bones
(2)
: a transverse arch consisting of the metatarsals and first row of tarsals and resulting from elevation of the central anterior portion of the median longitudinal arch
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