Arc vs ark

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Grammarist

An arc is a section of a circle, a curved part of something, an electrical discharge between two electrons or other electrified surfaces. In a story, the arc is the beginning, middle and resolution of a plot and theme. Arc may also be used as a verb to mean moving in an arc or the discharge of electricity between two electrons or other electrified surfaces. The word arc was first used in the fourteenth century to describe the sun’s motion in the sky, from the Old French word arc meaning arch, vault, and the Latin word arcus meaning a bow, arch.

An ark is a place of refuge, the most famous ark being Noah’s ark, from the Bible story about a worldwide flood that destroyed everyone and everything on the Earth except the people and animals on Noah’s enormous boat, the ark. In a Jewish synagogue, the Torah is kept in a cupboard or chest that is also called an ark. Ark comes from the Old English word earc, which derives from the Latin word arca meaning big box or chest, mainly referencing Noah’s ark and the Ark of the Covenant.

Examples

Amidst all the pain, I had just witnessed the arc of Southern history bend ever so slightly. (The Atlantic Journal Constitution)

Her photos indicate that fans are going to see an old Alice story arc in the “Resident Evil” saga and the old Alice would get a decent screen time, according to Cinema Blend. (Yibada)

The explosion that burned six workers at Priest Rapids Dam on Oct. 8 was the result of an electrical heat wave called an “arc flash,” Grant County PUD officials have confirmed. (The Mid-Columbia Tri-City Herald)

The opening date for the park was based on a verse from the book of Genesis – the seventh verse of the seventh chapter details when Noah and his family entered the ark, Ham said. (Reuters)

SOME of Scotland’s best-loved and most vulnerable trees and shrubs are set to be preserved in the vaults of a botanical Noah’s Ark in an effort to safeguard native species for the future. (The Scotsman)

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