arcus
[ˈar.kʊs]masculine
The Latin word for arc is arcus.
arcus refers to a curved shape or line. It also carries the meaning of a bow used as a weapon for shooting arrows.
Meaning: curve (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
arcus is a masculine noun. Use the nominative singular form arcus when the arc is the subject of a sentence. If the arc is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative singular form arcum.
Did you know?
- The ancestors of the word arcus are linked to words for 'willow' and 'juniper' in other languages. These specific trees were used to make bows because their twigs are highly flexible.
- Roman architects used arcus to describe the structural arch, which allowed them to build massive bridges and aqueducts. This linguistic focus on the 'curve' enabled the development of the famous Roman arch.
- The word arcus can refer to a rainbow, describing the celestial phenomenon as a 'bow' of light. This usage mirrors how English speakers describe a rainbow as an 'arch'.
Examples in context
- Curvatura arcus lunaris est mirabilis.The curvature of the moon's arc is marvelous.
- Arcus in caelo est.There is an arc in the sky.
- Geometricus lineam per arcus trahit.The geometer draws a line through the arc.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are looking at a building.
- MarcusVide hunc arcus aureum!Look at this golden arc!
- AureliaIta, pulcher est.Yes, it is beautiful.
- MarcusUbi arcus positus est?Where is the arc placed?
- AureliaSuper portam est.It is above the gate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arc” translations and entries arcus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arcus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
