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Definition of arch noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

arch

noun
 
/ɑːtʃ/
 
/ɑːrtʃ/
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  1. a curved structure that supports the weight of something above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building
    • a bridge with three arches
    • There are a number of workshops under the railway arches.
    Topics Buildingsc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • pointed
    • round
    • rounded
    verb + arch
    • build
    • erect
    • form
    preposition
    • beneath an/​the arch
    • through an/​the arch
    • under an/​the arch
    See full entry
  2. a structure with a curved top that is supported by straight sides, sometimes forming an entrance or built as a monument
    • Go through the arch and follow the path.
    • Marble Arch is a famous London landmark.
    Extra Examples
    • This huge triumphal arch was erected at the beginning of this century.
    • We rode under the arch.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • pointed
    • round
    • rounded
    verb + arch
    • build
    • erect
    • form
    preposition
    • beneath an/​the arch
    • through an/​the arch
    • under an/​the arch
    See full entry
  3. the raised part of the foot formed by a curved section of bonesTopics Bodyc2
  4. anything that forms a curved shape at the top
    • the delicate arch of her eyebrows
    • The branches of the trees formed an arch over the bench.
    see also archedTopics Colours and Shapesc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • pointed
    • round
    • rounded
    verb + arch
    • build
    • erect
    • form
    preposition
    • beneath an/​the arch
    • through an/​the arch
    • under an/​the arch
    See full entry
  5. Word Originnoun Middle English: from Old French arche, based on Latin arcus ‘bow’.
See arch in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee arch in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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