Definition of arch

The word "arch" has its roots in ancient Greek and Latin. In Greek, the word "arkhos" (ἄρχων) means "ruler" or "chief," and was often used to describe a curved or vaulted structure, such as an archetypal door or a bridge. The Latin word "arcus" (arch) is derived from the Greek word "arkhos," and referred specifically to a bow-shaped structure or a bridge arch. In English, the word "arch" has been used since the 14th century to describe a curved or vaulted shape, often in architecture or engineering. Over time, the word has also taken on figurative meanings, such as "a guiding principle" (e.g., "the arch of democracy") or "a dominant influence" (e.g., "the arch of her personality"). Despite its evolution, the word "arch" remains closely tied to its architectural and structural origins.