Curved structural elements that span openings and support weight above them, or the curved parts of feet. Plural of arch, used in architecture and anatomy.
From Old French 'arche,' derived from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow' or 'arch.' The architectural term dates to Roman engineering, while the anatomical usage (foot arches) developed later as the structural similarity was recognized.
Roman arches were so revolutionary that they're still used today - they distribute weight so efficiently that some Roman aqueducts have stood for 2,000 years without mortar. Your foot arches work on the same principle, acting as natural shock absorbers that can support several times your body weight while remaining flexible enough for walking.
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