arch

A curved structure over an opening, such as a doorway, or another object with this shape.

• A stone arch frames the door.
• The bridge has three tall arches.
• They built a wooden arch over the garden entrance.

Common phrases: stone arch, bridge arch, arch above something

A curved shape like an upside-down U.

• Draw an arch above the line.
• The rainbow formed a bright arch.
• Two curved lines make these arches.

Similar words: curve

Common phrases: form an arch, draw an arch, arch shape

The raised, curved part on the bottom of your foot.

• The arch of my foot hurts.
• These shoes support your arches.
• Her high arches make some boots uncomfortable.

Common phrases: arch support, arch of something, high arch

An opening or passage beneath a curved structure.

• We walked through the arch.
• A shop occupies an old railway arch.
• They sheltered beneath the bridge’s wide arch.

Similar words: archway

Common phrases: through the arch, under the arch, railway arch

The basic design of a computer processor, including the instructions it can carry out.

• Select the correct arch before compiling.
• This package supports several arches.
• The script detects the host arch automatically.

Similar words: architecture

Common phrases: target arch, supported arch, cpu arch

To bend something into a rounded shape, or to become bent in this way.

• The cat arched its back.
• She arched an eyebrow at his answer.
• Long branches arch over the gate.

How to use it: arch over something (Tree branches arch over the path.)

Similar words: curve, bend

Opposites: straighten

Common phrases: arch your back, arch an eyebrow, arch over something

Showing that you understand something amusing or secret, often with a slightly teasing attitude.

• She gave him an arch smile.
• His arch remark made everyone laugh.
• There was something arch about her tone.

Similar words: knowing, sly, mischievous

Common phrases: arch smile, arch remark, arch tone

The main or most important one of its kind.

• He was the king’s arch enemy.
• Their arch rival won the contest.
• The story ends with the arch villain’s defeat.

Similar words: chief, principal, main

Common phrases: arch enemy, arch rival, arch villain