Arc

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ɑːk/

Definitions

1. A segment of a curve defined by two endpoints can also signify a gradual transition or progression in various contexts, including stories or events
2. This refers to a portion of a circle or curve that can represent a symbolic journey or development in narratives and experiences
3. It denotes a curved line connecting two points, often used metaphorically to indicate connections, advancements, or shifts in themes and ideas

Etymology: The word "arc" arrived in English from Old French "arc," which came from Latin "arcus," meaning "bow" as in the weapon for shooting arrows. The same Latin root gave us "arch," and the link is easy to see: a bent bow and a curved span of stone share the same outline. Latin "arcus" in turn descends from an ancient Indo-European root meaning "to bend," which is also the source of words for bending and curving in several other languages. The shift from weapon to geometry is the striking part. A bow's curved shape was the first thing people named "arc," and that sense of a bent, curving stretch was gradually applied to the rainbow, to the path of a thrown object, and eventually to a portion of a circle, the curved line segment that mathematicians and engineers use today. The noun and verb senses share this root, so the verb "to arc," meaning to move or form a curve, follows the same bowed path.

Synonyms: curve, bend, segment, arch, circular path

Antonyms: straight line, flatness, linear path