🇺🇸
/ˈɑːr.sɪŋ/
🇺🇸
/ˈɑːr.sɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːr.sɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːr.sɪŋ/
Plural
arcs
Past Tense
arced
Past Participle
arced
Gerund
arcing
3rd Person
arcs
Arcing is the phenomenon where electricity jumps through the air (or another insulator) between two points, creating a visible, bright, high-temperature plasma channel — like a miniature lightning bolt. It often happens accidentally during electrical faults, but is also harnessed intentionally in welding, lighting (e.g., arc lamps), and scientific equipment.
The faulty wiring caused dangerous arcing inside the outlet, producing sparks and a burning smell.
Welders use controlled arcing to melt and fuse metal pieces together.
Never open a live circuit breaker — arcing can occur and cause severe burns or explosions.
Lightning is nature's most dramatic example of electrical arcing.
The technician shut down the system immediately after observing unintended arcing near the transformer.
arc
Comes from the Latin noun 'arcus', meaning 'bow' or 'curve' (as in a bow-shaped object or celestial arc). It entered English via Old French 'arc' and retains its core geometric and physical sense of a curved line or path. Examples include arc, arcade, archery, arctic (via Greek 'arktikos', referring to the northern constellation shaped like a bear's tail — conceptually linked to curving celestial paths), and parabola (a type of arc). Core meaning: 'curved shape or trajectory'.