Main Entry: ark

Pronunciation: \ˈärk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English arc, from Latin arca chest; akin to Latin arcēre to hold off, defend, Greek arkein, Hittite ḫark- to have, hold

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a boat or ship held to resemble that in which Noah and his family were preserved from the Flood b : something that affords protection and safety
2 a : the sacred chest representing to the Hebrews the presence of God among them b : a repository traditionally in or against the wall of a synagogue for the scrolls of the Torah