Arcing

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɑɹ.kɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The act of moving in a curved path or shape
2. the phenomenon of electricity creating a visible curve during discharge
3. The motion of traveling along a curve or bending trajectory

Etymology: Arc is a doublet of arch: both descend from Latin "arcus," meaning "bow," the curved weapon used to shoot arrows. Arch came into English through Old French "arche," while arc came through Old French "arc," so the two forms split off the same root and took on different shapes. The bow's curve is the original image behind every later sense of the word. Arcing is the present participle and gerund of arc, so it describes something in the act of following that curve. The idea of a bow's sweep, rather than the weapon itself, is what carried into English and was extended to the shape of a rainbow, a thrown ball, or any path that bends through the air.

Synonyms: curving, bending

Antonyms: straightening