The word "arc" is a noun that describes a curved line or shape. It is spelled with the letters A-R-C in English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "arc" is pronounced as /ɑːk/ with a long "a" sound and a hard "c" sound at the end. The sound "k" is produced by having the back of the tongue touch the soft palate. Spelling of "arc" is consistent with English pronunciation rules where the letter "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound before the letters "a", "o" and "u".
Arc can be defined as a curved line or shape, typically part of a circle, that is composed of points that are equidistant from the center. It is usually characterized by its rounded and smooth nature, devoid of any sharp angles or corners. Arcs are commonly found in various objects and phenomena, such as the rainbow, the trajectory of a thrown object, or the arch of a bridge.
In mathematics, an arc is a portion of a curve defined by two endpoints and the points that lie between them. It can be measured by either its length or its central angle, which is the angle subtended by the two endpoints of the arc at the center of the circle. Arcs are often used in trigonometry, geometry, and calculus to calculate measurements and determine relationships between points, lines, and shapes.
Arc also has applications in various fields beyond mathematics. In architecture, the term is used to describe a series of arches or a curved structure. In storytelling and literature, an arc refers to the development, progression, or transformation of a character, plot, or narrative. It denotes a journey, growth, or change over time, giving depth and structure to the story.
Overall, an arc represents a curved entity defined by its shape, endpoints, and the region between them. It is a fundamental concept that exists in various disciplines, providing a means to understand and describe the characteristics and relationships of curved objects and phenomena.
A curved line or segment of a circle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A part of a circle or curved line.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "arc" derives from the Latin word "arca", which roughly translates to "bow" or "arc". It can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word "arkhein", meaning "to begin" or "to rule". The original concept revolving around the term "arc" referred to the shape formed by a bowed or curved line, often resembling a bow or part of a circle. Over time, the word "arc" has been used in various contexts to describe curved structures, bridges, segments of circles, and even narrative arcs in storytelling.