'arclike' originates from English, specifically the word 'arc' and the suffix '-like', where 'arc' comes from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow' and '-like' derives from Old English 'līc' meaning 'form, body'.

'arc' entered English via Old French 'arc' from Latin 'arcus'; the suffix '-like' comes from Old English 'līc' (later '-lic'/'-like') meaning 'form, body'. The modern compound 'arclike' is formed in Modern English by combining these elements.

Initially 'arc' referred to a 'bow' (a curved object) and compounds with '-like' simply meant 'bow-shaped'; over time the compound broadened to mean any curved or arcing form or motion and, in technical contexts, to describe phenomena resembling an electrical arc.