'arcuation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arcuatio' (from past participle-related forms), where 'arcus' meant 'bow' or 'arch'.

'arcuation' developed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'arcuatio' (related to 'arcuatus', past participle of verbs built on 'arc-' meaning 'to bend into a bow') and entered English formation patterns as a noun meaning 'the act or result of making an arch'.

Initially it referred to 'the action of forming into a bow or arch', and over time it has retained that core sense, extending also to denote the resulting curved shape itself.