triumphal arch: Meaning and Definition of

trium'phal arch'

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. a monumental archway, often erected in permanent materials as a commemorative structure, straddling the line of march of a victorious army during a triumphal procession.
  2. an architectural motif resembling in its composition an ancient Roman triumphal arch, having one high central archway flanked by side elements composed of lower arches, compartments, bas-reliefs, etc., the whole usually adorned by a huge order.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.