GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Arc , n. [F. arc, L. arcus bow, arc. See Arch, n.]
   (Geom.) A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse.
   1913 Webster
   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
   An arch. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster
   Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   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
   
         
       

2.       
   Arc , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Arcked ; p. pr. & vb. n. Arcking.] (Elec.) To form a voltaic arc, as an electrical current in a broken or disconnected circuit.
   Webster 1913 Suppl.