Arc
/ɑːrk/noun
A part of a curve, especially a segment of a circle; also, a sudden movement or span of time shaped like a curve.
Did you know?The same ancient root that gave English arc also gave Latin arcus, meaning both “bow” and “arch,” tying together weapons, architecture, and curved forms in one lineage.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*arku-
“bow; something curved”
Latin
Latin
arcus
“bow; arch”
Old French
Old French
arc
“bow; arc, curve”
Middle English
English
arc
“a bow; a curved line or segment”
Modern English
English
arc
“a curved line or segment; a span of development or time”