arc

n. [ F. arc, L. arcus bow, arc. See Arch, n. ] 1. (Geom.) A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch; as, the colored arc (the rainbow); the arc of Hadley's quadrant. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An arch. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The apparent arc described, above or below the horizon, by the sun or other celestial body. The diurnal arc is described during the daytime, the nocturnal arc during the night. [ 1913 Webster ]

Electric arc,
Voltaic arc. See under Voltaic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. 1 the type genus of the family Arcidae, including ark shells and blood clams.
Syn. -- genus Arca. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ F. arcade, Sp. arcada, LL. arcata, fr. L. arcus bow, arch. ] 1. (Arch.) (a) A series of arches with the columns or piers which support them, the spandrels above, and other necessary appurtenances; sometimes open, serving as an entrance or to give light; sometimes closed at the back (as in the cut) and forming a decorative feature. (b) A long, arched building or gallery. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An arched or covered passageway or avenue. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Furnished with an arcade. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. Arcadia, Gr. &unr_;. ] 1. A mountainous and picturesque district of Greece, in the heart of the Peloponnesus, whose people were distinguished for contentment and rural happiness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: Any region or scene of simple pleasure and untroubled quiet. [ 1913 Webster ]

Where the cow is, there is Arcadia. J. Burroughs. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ L. Arcadius, Arcadicus, fr. Arcadia: cf. F. Arcadien, Arcadique. ] 1. Of or pertaining to Arcadia; pastoral; ideally rural; as, Arcadian simplicity or scenery. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken by Arcadians. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. arcanus. ] Hidden; secret. [ Obs. ] “The arcane part of divine wisdom.” Berkeley. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Arcana [ L., fr. arcanus closed, secret, fr. arca chest, box, fr. arcere to inclose. See Ark. ] 1. A secret; a mystery; -- generally used in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ]

Inquiries into the arcana of the Godhead. Warburton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Med.) A secret remedy; an elixir. Dunglison. [ 1913 Webster ]