Main Entry: ¹arc

Pronunciation: \ˈärk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English ark, from Anglo-French arc bow, from Latin arcus bow, arch, arc — more at arrow

Date: 14th century

1 : the apparent path described above and below the horizon by a celestial body (as the sun)
2 a : something arched or curved b : a curved path <the arc of a fly ball>
3 : a sustained luminous discharge of electricity across a gap in a circuit or between electrodes; also : arc lamp
4 : a continuous portion (as of a circle or ellipse) of a curved line
5 : degree measurement on the circumference of a circle —used especially in the phrase of arc <11 minutes 3 seconds of arc>
6 : a continuous progression or line of development <a story's dramatic arc>