arc

• Nom désignant une forme ou une trajectoire courbe, ou un segment continu d'un cercle; également utilisé dans le contexte électrique pour décrire une décharge électrique lumineuse à travers un gaz.

A noun referring to a curved shape or path, or a continuous segment of a circle; also used in electrical contexts to describe a luminous discharge of electricity through a gas.

1. Electrical arcB2formalscientific

   A luminous discharge of electricity through a gas, often accompanied by high temperatures and used in welding or lighting.

   Arc électrique

   • The electric arc between the two electrodes produced intense heat.
   • Arc welding is a common technique in metal fabrication.
   • A lightning bolt is a natural example of an electrical arc.

   Synonymeselectric arcspark

2. Geometric arcB1formalscientific

   A continuous segment of the circumference of a circle or other curved line.

   arc (de courbe)

   • The arc of the circle measured 90 degrees.
   • He drew a perfect arc using a compass.
   • The bridge's design features a graceful arc.

   Synonymesarchbendbowcurvaturecurve

3. Curved shapeB1formal

   Something that is curved or shaped like a bow or crescent.

   arc (forme courbe)

   • The rainbow formed a beautiful arc across the sky.
   • The arc of the ball's trajectory was impressive.
   • The sculpture had a sweeping arc that caught the light.

   Synonymesarchbowcrescentcurvaturecurvesweep

4. To form an arch or curveB2formal

   To bend or shape something into a curved form, similar to an arch.

   courber en arc

   • The cat arched its back in a defensive arc.
   • The branches arc gracefully over the pathway.
   • She watched the dancer's body arc into a perfect curve.

• Verbe décrivant le mouvement de quelque chose le long d'une trajectoire courbe ou en forme d'arc.

A verb used to describe the movement of something in a curved path or trajectory, like an arc.

1. Form an electrical arcC1formaltechnical

   To create a luminous electrical discharge through a gas, typically between two electrodes.

   Former un arc électrique

   • The wires began to arc dangerously in the storm.
   • The welder used a tool to arc the current across the gap.
   • If the voltage is too high, the electricity will arc to the ground.

   Synonymesdischargespark

2. Move in a curved pathB2formal

   To move in a trajectory that resembles a curve or part of a circle.

   Décrire un arc

   • The ball arced gracefully through the air before landing in the goal.
   • The fireworks arced across the night sky.
   • The bird arced downward to catch its prey.

   Synonymesarchbendbowcurveloopsweep

3. Form a curve or archB2formal

   To bend or shape something into a curved form.

   Former une courbe ou une arche

   • The bridge arced over the river.
   • Her eyebrows arced in surprise.
   • The path arced around the lake.

   Synonymesarchbendbowcrookcurlcurveflexloopsweep

   Antonymesflattenlevelstraighten