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Arch

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a curved structure spanning an opening

Where does the word "arch" come from? It comes from Latin arcus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

arcus→arche→arch

Latin · ancient

the root of 'arc' and 'archer'

Old French · medieval

Roman builders perfected the arch

English · 1300s

"curved structure"

'arch-' as in 'archbishop' is unrelated, from Greek 'arkhos', chief

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Read the full story

Arch’s story begins in Latin: arcus meant “bow, arch.” The root of 'arc' and 'archer'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as arche. Roman builders perfected the arch. It reached English by 1300s as arch. 'arch-' as in 'archbishop' is unrelated, from Greek 'arkhos', chief. Today, arch means a curved structure spanning an opening.