arc Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
    discharge; spark; electric arc; electric discharge.
  2. noun a continuous portion of a circle
  3. noun something curved in shape
    bow.
  4. verb form an arch or curve
    curve; arch.
    • her back arches
    • her hips curve nicely

WordNet


Arc noun
Etymology
F. arc, L. arcus bow, arc. See Arch, n.
Definitions
  1. (Geom.) A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse.
  2. A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch; as, the colored arc (the rainbow); the arc of Hadley's quadrant.
  3. An arch. Obs.
    Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs. Milton.
  4. The apparent arc described, above or below the horizon, by the sun or other celestial body. The diurnal arc is described during the daytime, the nocturnal arc during the night.

Webster 1913