arcus
|ar-cus|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑrkəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːkəs/
arch; bow
Etymology
'arcus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arcus', where it meant 'bow, arch'.
'arcus' was used in Classical Latin and continued in Medieval and Late Latin; from these scientific and technical uses it entered English as a specialized term (notably in anatomy and meteorology) as 'arcus'.
Initially it meant 'bow' or 'arch' in Latin; over time the core sense remained but in English it became specialized to denote arch-shaped anatomical structures and particular cloud formations (arcus clouds).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a low, horizontal, arch-shaped cloud formation (an arcus cloud), typically a shelf cloud or roll cloud formed at the leading edge of a thunderstorm outflow or cold front.
A dramatic arcus stretched along the storm's leading edge as the squall approached.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an arch or bow-shaped anatomical or structural element, used in Latin-based anatomical terms (e.g., arcus aortae = aortic arch).
The surgeon identified the arcus aortae before proceeding with the repair.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a Latin noun meaning 'arch' or 'bow', used in scientific, taxonomic, or historical contexts in English.
The species name includes 'arcus' to indicate the curved shape of its shell.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/09 21:22