WordWeb Online

1. (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
    
2. A passageway under a curved masonry construction
   "they built a triumphal arch to memorialize their victory";
   - archway
    
3. A curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
    
4. A curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet)

1. Form an arch or curve
   "her back arches";
   - curve, arc

1. (used of behaviour or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
   - condescending, patronizing, patronising [Brit]
    
2. Naughtily or annoyingly playful
   "teasing and worrying with arch laughter";
   - impish, implike, mischievous, pixilated, prankish, puckish, wicked [informal], scampish [rare], pixillated

1. Chief, highest, most important

Derived forms: arching, arched, archest, arches, archer

See also: ludic [formal], playful, superior

Type of: bend, construction, curve, curved shape, entrance, entranceway, entrée, entry, entryway, flex, skeletal structure, structure

Antonym: uncondescending, unpatronising [Brit], unpatronizing

Part of: aqueduct, arcade, bridge, colonnade, span, wall

Encyclopedia: Arch, John