arched

Arched is an adjective describing something that has the shape of an arch or a curvature resembling an arch. It can also be the past participle of the verb arch, meaning to bend into a curved, convex shape or to form an arched stance.

In architecture and engineering, an arch is a curved structural element that spans an opening and transfers load to its supports. The curved shape enables efficient weight distribution, reducing bending stresses compared with a flat lintel. Typical components include the voussoirs, which are wedge-shaped units, and the keystone at the crown. Common forms include semicircular arches (Roman), pointed arches (Gothic), segmental arches, and horseshoe arches, as well as elliptical and parabolic variants.

Arches have been used since antiquity to create doorways, bridges, aqueducts, and vaults. Their introduction allowed wider openings and longer spans, facilitating larger interiors and more dramatic skylines. Stone, brick, and later concrete have all supported arch construction, often complemented by buttresses or abutments to resist horizontal thrust.

In modern practice, arches appear in reinforced concrete and steel structures, as well as in decorative contexts such as archways, windows, and interior detailing. The term arched continues to describe any shaped feature, from arches in architecture to curved components in furniture and landscaping.

Etymology: arched derives from arch, itself from Latin arcus meaning bow or crescent; the usage extends in many languages to describe curved forms.