Arcus

/ˈɑr.kəs/ noun

Definition

The Latin word for 'arch' or 'bow,' used in anatomy, architecture, and scientific nomenclature.

Etymology

From classical Latin 'arcus' meaning bow or arch. This word is the root of numerous modern English terms like 'arc,' 'arch,' and 'arcade.'

Kelly Says

The word 'arcus' is everywhere in medical terminology—'arcus senilis' (an eye condition), 'arcus plantaris' (foot arch)—because doctors borrowed Latin's precise terms for curved things!

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