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Noun: arch  aa(r)ch
  1. (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
    "The ancient Roman aqueduct featured a series of impressive arches"
     
  2. A passageway under a curved masonry construction
    "they built a triumphal arch to memorialize their victory";
    - archway
     
  3. A curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
    "The stone arch of the bridge has stood for centuries"
     
  4. A curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet)
    "She had high arches, making it difficult to find comfortable shoes"
Adjective: arch (archer,archest)  aa(r)ch
  1. (used of behaviour or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
    "Her arch remarks made everyone uncomfortable";
    - condescending, patronizing, patronising [Brit]
     
  2. Naughtily or annoyingly playful
    "teasing and worrying with arch laughter";
    - impish, implike, mischievous, pixilated, prankish, puckish, wicked [informal], scampish [rare], pixillated
Verb: arch  aa(r)ch
  1. Form an arch or curve
    "her back arches";
    - curve, arc
Prefix: arch-  aa(r)ch
  1. Chief, highest, most important

Derived forms: arching, archest, arches, archer, arched

See also: ludic [formal], playful, superior

Type of: bend, construction, curve, curved shape, entrance, entranceway, entrée, entry, entryway, flex, skeletal structure, structure

Antonym: uncondescending, unpatronising [Brit], unpatronizing

Part of: aqueduct, arcade, bridge, colonnade, span, wall

Encyclopedia: Arch, John

Arch-