arch

Universal Words noun, verb, adjective noun 1 a curved structure that supports the weight of sth above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building: a bridge with three arches 2 a structure with a curved top that is supported by straight sides, sometimes forming an entrance or built as a MONUMENT: Go through the arch and follow the path. * Marble Arch is a famous London landmark. 3 the raised part of the foot formed by a curved section of bones 4 anything that forms a curved shape at the top: the delicate arch of her eyebrows verb 1 if you arch part of your body, or if it arches, it moves and forms a curved shape: [VN] The cat arched its back and hissed. [also V] 2 [V] to be in a curved line or shape across or over sth: Tall trees arched over the path. adjective [usuallybeforenoun] (often disapproving) an arch look, tone of voice, etc. deliberately shows amusement because the person knows more than other people or more than they pretend about a situation: He tapped the side of his nose in an uncharacteristically arch gesture. archly adverb: 'Guess what?' she said archly.