Arch has 13 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
"The architect designed a magnificent stone arch to span the wide entrance of the cathedral."
a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet)
"The doctor told me to rest my foot because I had twisted an arch while hiking on rocky terrain."
(architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
"The ancient bridge features a sturdy stone arch that gracefully spans the river while bearing the heavy load of centuries of traffic."
An inverted U shape.
"The arch of the cathedral served as a commanding vantage point for the bishop to oversee his flock during the service."
A chief.
In plain English: An arch is a curved structure that supports weight by spanning an opening.
"The stone arch supported the heavy roof of the old bridge."
Usage: When used as a noun in everyday language, an arch refers to a curved structure spanning an opening, not a leader or chief. Use this word to describe architectural features like doorways and bridges rather than people holding authority.
To form into an arch shape
"The construction workers carefully placed each stone so they could arch over the narrow passageway to create a sturdy bridge."
In plain English: To arch means to bend your back or body into a curved shape, usually by lifting your chest and hips upward.
"The cat arched its back when the dog approached playfully."
Usage: Use "arch" as a verb when describing something curving upward like a bridge or a spine. Do not use it to mean bending down, which requires the word "bend" or "curve."
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
"Her arch tone made it clear she thought everyone else was beneath her consideration."
Knowing, clever, mischievous.
"The financial analyst explained that ARCH is a statistical model used to forecast how volatility in stock prices changes over time."
Initialism of autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity
In plain English: An arch shape is curved like a bridge or a doorway.
"The old bridge has a high arch that lets boats pass underneath."
Usage: As an adjective describing physical structure, arch means curved upward like a bridge or vault. Do not use it to refer to statistical models, which are abbreviated as ARCH.
A diminutive of the male given names Archibald or Archie.
"My uncle's son named his new puppy Arch after himself, though everyone just calls him Arky."
The word "arch" comes from the Latin arcus, which originally meant both a bow and an architectural curve. It entered Middle English through Old French as a feminine form, eventually replacing the native Old English term for arches.