arch

Everyday

1. An arch is a curved shape or structure, like the top of a doorway or a bridge, that goes up and over. tree →
2. The arch of your foot is the curved part underneath between heel and toes. tree →
3. To arch means to bend into a curved shape, like a cat arching its back. tree →
4. Arch- at the start of a word means chief or main, as in archenemy. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and art pupils notice arches as curves and shapes in buildings. In history and technology, Romans built strong stone arches for bridges and aqueducts. In nature, a cat arches its back when scared or stretching; rainbows look like arches. Phrases: stone arch, arch your back, under the arch.

Examples

• We walked under the old stone arch. tree →
• The bridge has three big arches. tree →
• The cat arched its back and hissed. tree →
• A rainbow made an arch across the sky. tree →
• The ballet teacher told us to point our toes and lift the arch of our foot. tree →
• The Romans were very good at building arches. tree →
• Flat feet have a low arch. tree →
• Batman's archenemy is the Joker. tree →
• The tin soldier could already see daylight shining where the arch ended. tree →

Note

Plural: arches (add -es after ch). Verb: arched, arching. Arch is said like march, not like ark, except in some words like archaeology and architect (ark). Arches are strong because they push weight down the sides.

In Jewish tradition

In Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple, arches are part of the gateways and porches that the guide measures. In the Torah the related word "archer" means someone who shoots a bow.

Interpretation. Tradition reads Ezekiel's careful measurements as a plan for the Temple to be built in the future. Their exact detail is seen as showing the holiness of the House.

Examples

• And God was with the lad, and he grew; and he dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. (Torah GEN.21.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there were arches round about, five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad. (Prophets EZK.40.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the arches thereof were toward the outer court; and palm-trees were upon the posts thereof; and the going up to it had eight steps. (Prophets EZK.40.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he led me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south; and he measured the posts thereof, and the arches thereof according to these measures. (Prophets EZK.40.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Plural: arches (add -es after ch). Verb: arched, arching. Arch is said like march, not like ark, except in some words like archaeology and architect (ark). Arches are strong because they push weight down the sides.