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 safety2 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