ARC
Abbreviation with 4 meanings
| Stands for | American Red Cross |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 4 |
| Categories | Organizations & Companies, Technology & Computing, Arts & Entertainment, Geography & Places |
| Also written | Arc |
ARC has four meanings. The most common are American Red Cross (nonprofit) and Audio Return Channel (consumer electronics); it can also stand for Advance reader copy and Arcade.
Meanings of ARC at a glance
| # | ARC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Red Cross | Organizations & Companies › Nonprofit |
| 2 | Audio Return Channel | Technology & Computing › Consumer Electronics |
| 3 | Advance reader copy | Arts & Entertainment › Publishing and Book |
| 4 | Arcade | Geography & Places › Address |
1. American Red Cross
Organizations & Companies · Nonprofit Abbreviations
US humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief, collects and supplies a large share of the nation's donated blood, teaches first aid and CPR and supports military families.
Example: The ARC opened three emergency shelters for families displaced by the wildfire.
Clara Barton founded it in 1881, and Congress chartered it in 1900, giving it responsibilities under the Geneva Conventions. It is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement but is a private nonprofit, not a government agency. In other fields, ARC can mean the Appalachian Regional Commission or the disability group The Arc.
2. Audio Return Channel
Technology & Computing · Consumer Electronics Abbreviations
HDMI feature that sends sound from a TV's built-in apps, tuner or other inputs back down the same HDMI cable to a soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for a separate optical cable.
Example: Plug the soundbar into the TV's HDMI ARC port so one remote controls the volume.
ARC arrived with HDMI 1.4 in 2009 and works together with CEC, which lets the TV remote control the soundbar. Standard ARC carries compressed formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1 but not lossless surround sound. If audio fails, checking that CEC and ARC are enabled on both devices usually helps. The enhanced version is eARC.
3. Advance reader copy
Arts & Entertainment · Publishing and Book Abbreviations · also used in texting and general use
Prepublication edition of a book, often uncorrected, sent to reviewers, booksellers, librarians and influencers to build buzz before release. Also called an advance review copy or galley.
Example: I got an ARC from the publisher and posted my review a month before launch.
ARCs are usually marked "uncorrected proof, not for resale". Digital ARCs are distributed through services such as NetGalley and Edelweiss. Quotes from ARCs should be checked against the final text, which may change.
4. Arcade (Arc)
Geography & Places · Address Abbreviations
Covered passage lined with shops, and a street name for some downtown walkways; USPS abbreviates it ARC.
Example: The watch repair shop is at 12 Market Arc.
The Arcade in Providence, Rhode Island, built in 1828, is often called the oldest indoor shopping mall in the United States.
Related abbreviations
More nonprofit abbreviations
- AHA – American Heart Association
- AIPAC – American Israel Public Affairs Committee
- ALA – American Lung Association
- ALEC – American Legislative Exchange Council
- ASPCA – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- BBB – Better Business Bureau
- BBBS – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- BGCA – Boys & Girls Clubs of America
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