26984 words

arches

10 definitions • 19 examples
1
a structure, consisting of a curved top on two supports, that holds the weight of something above it:

Examples:

In many churches the side aisles are separated from the central aisle by a row of arches.
Passing through the arch, you enter an open courtyard.
The vines were trained over an arch, providing shade as well as fruit.
The temple's grand white arches rose conspicuously over the dirty decaying city.
The abbey is known for its majestic arches, fine doorways and elegant windows.
The town is dominated by the massive arches of a viaduct.
2
something that has the shape of an arch, often used for decoration:

Examples:

The boat floated through the arch of the trees towards the bridge.
3
the raised curve on the bottom of your foot:

Examples:

She has very high arches.
4
any organ or part of the body that is curved in shape:

Examples:

5
to make the shape of an arch:

Examples:

Trees arch over the river.
arch your back She watched the cat arch its back.
6
showing that you think it is amusing that you know more about something than someone else does:

Examples:

an arch tone of voice
7
most important:

Examples:

an archduke
8
greater or especially worse than others of the same type:

Examples:

an arch-criminal
his arch-enemy
He's always been an arch-opponent of the project.
9
a structure consisting of a curved top on two supports which holds the weight of something above it, or something decorative that has this shape:

Examples:

Two rows of arches support the roof of the building.
10
The arch of your foot is the higher, curved part on the bottom.

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