Arc vs. Bow — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 15, 2024
An arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle or other curve, while a bow can refer to a curved piece of material used to shoot arrows or a decorative knot.
Difference Between Arc and Bow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An arc, in geometry, is defined as any part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. It's often measured in degrees or radians to represent a section of a circular path. Whereas, a bow, when referring to archery, is a weapon consisting of a piece of curved wood or other flexible material whose ends are connected by a taut string, used for shooting arrows.
Arcs play a significant role in mathematics and engineering, especially in calculations involving circles and angles. They are fundamental in understanding the properties of circles and the measurement of angles. On the other hand, bows have been used historically as hunting and warfare tools, and today, they are primarily used in sports and recreational activities like archery.
The concept of an arc is purely geometrical and abstract, focusing on the properties of curves and their segments. While bows, as physical objects, involve practical considerations such as material, tension, and mechanics, highlighting the intersection between craft and physics.
Arcs are characterized by their mathematical properties, such as length, which can be calculated using formulas involving the radius and central angle. Bows, however, are characterized by their physical properties, such as draw weight and string tension, which affect their functionality and performance.
In the context of symbolism and metaphor, arcs are often used to represent completeness, continuity, or a part of something larger, such as life's journey or a storyline. Bows, however, are rich in symbolism, representing tension and release, preparation and action, or the balance between strength and flexibility.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Segment of a circle's circumference or other curve
Curved instrument for shooting arrows or a decorative knot
Usage
Geometry, mathematics, engineering
Archery, hunting, sports, decoration
Properties
Measured in degrees or radians, length calculated by radius and angle
Physical characteristics like draw weight, string tension
Symbolism
Completeness, continuity, part of a whole
Tension and release, preparation and action, strength and flexibility
Context
Abstract and mathematical concepts
Practical applications, craft, and physics
Compare with Definitions
Arc
A curved path of a circle or other curve.
The arc of the ball in the air was beautiful to watch.
Bow
A weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood.
The archer drew her bow with precision.
Arc
A continuous portion of a curved line.
The rainbow formed a perfect arc in the sky.
Bow
A rod with horsehair for playing string instruments.
The violinist rosined her bow before the concert.
Arc
A segment of a curve between two points.
The arc between the two stars helped astronomers map the sky.
Bow
To bend forward at the waist in respect.
The performer took a bow after the show.
Arc
A part of the circumference of a circle.
The geometry problem involved calculating the length of the arc.
Bow
A decorative knot with two loops.
The present was tied with a perfect bow.
Arc
An electrical discharge in the form of a bright, curved line.
The electrician saw an arc when the wires touched.
Bow
The front section of a ship.
The bow of the ship cut through the waves.
Arc
Something shaped like a curve or arch
The vivid arc of a rainbow.
Bow
A knot tied with two loops and two loose ends, used especially for tying shoelaces and decorative ribbons
A girl with long hair tied back in a bow
Arc
(Mathematics) A segment of a circle.
Bow
A weapon for shooting arrows, typically made of a curved piece of wood joined at both ends by a taut string.
Arc
An electric arc.
Bow
A long, partially curved rod with horsehair stretched along its length, used for playing the violin and other stringed instruments.
Arc
(Astronomy) The apparent path of a celestial body as it rises above and falls below the horizon.
Bow
A curved stroke forming part of a letter (e.g. b, p).
Arc
A progression of events suggesting narrative cohesion, especially one that rises to a climax and settles to a final conclusion.
Bow
A metal ring forming the handle of a key or pair of scissors.
Arc
To form an arc.
Bow
An act of bending the head or upper body as a sign of respect or greeting
The man gave a little bow
Arc
To move or seem to move in a curved path
The stars that arc across the sky.
Bow
The front end of a ship
Water sprayed high over her bows
Arc
(astronomy) That part of a circle which a heavenly body appears to pass through as it moves above and below the horizon.
Bow
Play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow
The techniques by which the pieces were bowed
Arc
(geometry) A continuous part of the circumference of a circle (circular arc) or of another curve.
Bow
Bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame
He turned and bowed to his father
She knelt and bowed her head
Councillors stood with heads bowed
Arc
A curve, in general. Category:en:Curves
Bow
Bend with age or under pressure
The creepers were bowed down with flowers
The roof trusses bowed as the wind fought to rip the roof free
Arc
A band contained within parallel curves, or something of that shape.
Bow
(of a new film or product) be premiered or launched
The trailer bowed in theaters nationwide on December 23
The Pentium III bowed in early 1999
Arc
(electrics) A flow of current across an insulating medium; especially a hot, luminous discharge between either two electrodes or as lightning.
Bow
The front section of a ship or boat.
Arc
A story arc.
Bow
Either of the sides of this front section
The starboard bow.
Arc
(mathematics) A continuous mapping from a real interval (typically [0, 1] ) into a space.
Bow
The oar or the person wielding the oar closest to the bow in a racing shell.
Arc
(graph theory) A directed edge.
Bow
An inclination of the head or body, as in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.
Arc
The three-point line.
Bow
A bent, curved, or arched object.
Arc
(film) An arclight.
Bow
A weapon consisting of a curved, flexible strip of material, especially wood, strung taut from end to end and used to launch arrows.
Arc
(ambitransitive) To move following a curved path.
Bow
An archer.
Arc
(transitive) To shape into an arc; to hold in the form of an arc.
Bow
Archers considered as a group.
Arc
(intransitive) To form an electrical arc.
Bow
(Music) A rod having horsehair drawn tightly between its two raised ends, used in playing instruments of the violin and viol families.
Arc
A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse.
Bow
A stroke made by this rod.
Arc
A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch; as, the colored arc (the rainbow); the arc of Hadley's quadrant.
Bow
A knot usually having two loops and two ends; a bowknot.
Arc
An arch.
Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs.
Bow
A frame for the lenses of a pair of eyeglasses.
Arc
The apparent arc described, above or below the horizon, by the sun or other celestial body. The diurnal arc is described during the daytime, the nocturnal arc during the night.
Bow
The part of such a frame passing over the ear.
Arc
To form a voltaic arc, as an electrical current in a broken or disconnected circuit.
Bow
A rainbow.
Arc
Electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
Bow
An oxbow.
Arc
A continuous portion of a circle
Bow
To bend or curve downward; stoop.
Arc
Something curved in shape
Bow
To incline the body or head or bend the knee in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.
Arc
Form an arch or curve;
Her back arches
Her hips curve nicely
Bow
To yield in defeat or out of courtesy; submit.
Bow
To bend (the head, knee, or body) to express greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.
Bow
To convey (greeting, for example) by bending the body.
Bow
To escort deferentially
Bowed us into the restaurant.
Bow
To cause to acquiesce; submit.
Bow
To overburden
Grief bowed them down.
Bow
To bend (something) into the shape of a bow.
Bow
(Music) To play (a stringed instrument) with a bow.
Bow
To bend into a curve or bow.
Bow
(Music) To play a stringed instrument with a bow.
Bow
A weapon made of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material whose ends are connected by a string, used for shooting arrows.
Bow
A curved bend in a rod or planar surface, or in a linear formation such as a river (see oxbow).
Bow
A rod with horsehair (or an artificial substitute) stretched between the ends, used for playing various stringed musical instruments.
Bow
A stringed instrument (chordophone), consisting of a stick with a single taut cord stretched between the ends, most often played by plucking.
Bow
A type of knot with two loops, used to tie together two cords such as shoelaces or apron strings, and frequently used as decoration, such as in gift-wrapping.
Bow
Anything bent or curved, such as a rainbow.
Bow
The U-shaped piece which goes around the neck of an ox and fastens it to the yoke.
Bow
Either of the arms of a pair of spectacles, running from the side of the lens to behind the wearer's ear.
Bow
Any instrument consisting of an elastic rod, with ends connected by a string, employed for giving reciprocating motion to a drill, or for preparing and arranging hair, fur, etc., used by hatters.
Bow
(nautical) A crude sort of quadrant formerly used for taking the sun's altitude at sea.
Bow
(saddlery) Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a saddletree.
Bow
The part of a key that is not inserted into the lock and that is used to turn the key.
Bow
A gesture, usually showing respect, made by inclining the head or bending forward at the waist; a reverence
He made a polite bow as he entered the room.
Bow
(nautical) The front of a boat or ship.
Bow
(rowing) The rower that sits in the seat closest to the bow of the boat.
Bow
Obsolete spelling of bough
Bow
C|en|Foods}} {{alternative form of bao; any of several Chinese buns and breads
Bow
To play music on (a stringed) instrument using a bow.
The musician bowed his violin expertly.
Bow
(intransitive) To become bent or curved.
The shelf bowed under the weight of the books.
Bow
(transitive) To make something bend or curve.
Bow
To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
Bow
(intransitive) To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.
That singer always bows towards her audience for some reason.
Bow
To debut.
Bow
(intransitive) To defer (to something).
I bow to your better judgement in the matter.
Bow
(transitive) To give a direction, indication, or command to by bowing.
Bow
To cause to deviate from straightness; to bend; to inflect; to make crooked or curved.
We bow things the contrary way, to make them come to their natural straightness.
The whole nation bowed their necks to the worst kind of tyranny.
Bow
To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
Adversities do more bow men's minds to religion.
Not to bow and bias their opinions.
Bow
To bend or incline, as the head or body, in token of respect, gratitude, assent, homage, or condescension.
They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
Bow
To cause to bend down; to prostrate; to depress,; to crush; to subdue.
Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave.
Bow
To express by bowing; as, to bow one's thanks.
Bow
To bend; to curve.
Bow
To stop.
They stoop, they bow down together.
Bow
To bend the head, knee, or body, in token of reverence or submission; - often with down.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
Bow
To incline the head in token of salutation, civility, or assent; to make bow.
Admired, adored by all circling crowd,For wheresoe'er she turned her face, they bowed.
Bow
To play (music) with a bow.
Bow
An inclination of the head, or a bending of the body, in token of reverence, respect, civility, or submission; an obeisance; as, a bow of deep humility.
Bow
Anything bent, or in the form of a curve, as the rainbow.
I do set my bow in the cloud.
Bow
A weapon made of a strip of wood, or other elastic material, with a cord connecting the two ends, by means of which an arrow is propelled.
Bow
An ornamental knot, with projecting loops, formed by doubling a ribbon or string.
Bow
The U-shaped piece which embraces the neck of an ox and fastens it to the yoke.
Bow
An appliance consisting of an elastic rod, with a number of horse hairs stretched from end to end of it, used in playing on a stringed instrument.
Bow
An arcograph.
Bow
Any instrument consisting of an elastic rod, with ends connected by a string, employed for giving reciprocating motion to a drill, or for preparing and arranging the hair, fur, etc., used by hatters.
Bow
A rude sort of quadrant formerly used for taking the sun's altitude at sea.
Bow
Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a saddletree.
Bow
The bending or rounded part of a ship forward; the stream or prow.
Bow
One who rows in the forward part of a boat; the bow oar.
Bow
A knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
Bow
A slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands, used in playing certain stringed instrument
Bow
Front part of a vessel or aircraft;
He pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
Bow
Curved piece of resilient wood with taut cord to propel arrows
Bow
Something curved in shape
Bow
Bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame
Bow
An appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
Bow
A decorative interlacing of ribbons
Bow
A stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
Bow
Bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head;
He bowed before the King
She bowed her head in shame
Bow
Submit or yield to another's wish or opinion;
The government bowed to the military pressure
Bow
Bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting;
He bowed before the King
Bow
Bend one's back forward from the waist on down;
He crouched down
She bowed before the Queen
The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse
Bow
Play on a string instrument
Common Curiosities
What is an arc?
An arc is a segment of a circle's circumference or other curved line.
What are the main uses of a bow?
Bows are mainly used in archery, hunting, and sports, and also as decorative elements.
Can the term 'arc' be used outside of geometry?
Yes, 'arc' can refer to any curved trajectory or part of a storyline, symbolizing continuity or a segment of something larger.
What is a bow?
A bow can refer to a curved weapon for shooting arrows or a decorative knot with two loops.
How do arcs contribute to engineering?
Arcs are essential in engineering for designing structures, understanding circular motion, and calculations involving angles and curves.
What role does tension play in the functionality of a bow?
Tension in the bow's string determines the force exerted on an arrow, affecting its speed and accuracy.
Are there different types of arcs?
Yes, arcs can vary based on their length, the curve they belong to, and their position within a circle, such as major or minor arcs.
How is an arc measured?
An arc is measured in degrees or radians, representing a portion of a circle's circumference.
What are the key characteristics of a bow in archery?
Key characteristics include draw weight, string tension, and material, which affect its performance.
What materials are used to make bows?
Bows can be made from wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other flexible materials, depending on their intended use.
How is the length of an arc calculated?
The length of an arc is calculated using the radius of the circle and the measure of the central angle in radians.
What is the significance of bows in historical contexts?
Historically, bows were significant in warfare and hunting, crucial for survival and conquest.
How do modern archers customize their bows?
Modern archers can customize their bows with different strings, grips, and accessories to enhance performance and comfort.
Can arcs and bows be related in any context?
While fundamentally different, arcs and bows can relate metaphorically in contexts like story arcs or the arc of an arrow shot from a bow, symbolizing trajectory and direction.
What does the arc of a story refer to?
In storytelling, an arc refers to the growth, development, or transformation of a character or storyline over time.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
