Arc

Quick meaning: Arc is a noun meaning (astronomy) That part of a circle which a heavenly body appears to pass through as it moves above and below the horizon.

Meaning

(astronomy) That part of a circle which a heavenly body appears to pass through as it moves above and below the horizon.

More Meanings

1. (geometry) A continuous part of the circumference of a circle (circular arc) or of another curve.
2. A curve, in general.
3. A band contained within parallel curves, or something of that shape.
4. (narratology) Ellipsis of story arc.
5. (mathematics) A continuous mapping from a real interval (typically [0, 1]) into a space.
6. (graph theory) A directed edge.
7. (electrics) A flow of current across an insulating medium; especially a hot, luminous discharge either between two electrodes or as lightning.

Example Sentences

The big wheel in the sky He arcs o'er miles and miles

The arc of a circle may be very little, but, given that, it is possible to construct the entire figure.

For all practical purposes the old carbon arcs, which were the backbone of film lighting, are no longer used.

Gatland's side got back to within striking distance when fly-half Jones's clever pass sent centre Jonathan Davies arcing round Shontayne Hape.

Word Forms

• arcs
• arcing
• arcking
• arced
• arcked

Synonyms for arc

Depending on context, synonyms include curve, swoop, arrow, discharge, spark, bow.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include arch, spark, bow, curve, discharge, reactor.

Related Dictionary Tools