catenary

[ kat-n-er-ee; especially British kuh-tee-nuh-ree ]

noun

, plural cat·e·nar·ies.

1. Mathematics. the curve assumed approximately by a heavy uniform cord or chain hanging freely from two points not in the same vertical line. Equation: y = k cos h ( x / k ).
2. (in electric railroads) the cable, running above the track, from which the trolley wire is suspended.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a catenary.
2. of or relating to a chain or linked series.

catenary

/ kəˈtiːnərɪ /

noun

1. the curve assumed by a heavy uniform flexible cord hanging freely from two points. When symmetrical about the y- axis and intersecting it at y = a , the equation is y = a cosh x / a
2. the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended

adjective

1. of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain

Word History and Origins

Origin of catenary¹

1780–90; < Latin catēnārius relating to a chain, equivalent to catēn ( a ) a chain + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of catenary¹

C18: from Latin catēnārius relating to a chain

Example Sentences

Liberty filed a $3 million claim last fall based on inefficiency installing catenary poles.

From Seattle Times

The first time the Russians damaged the tracks; the second time, the tracks and catenary wires.

From New York Times

Contractors will replace overhead catenary wires that supply power to the trains.

From Seattle Times

Design changes in the past year helped address the incompatibility with the corridor’s track and its catenary system — the overhead wires that supply the train with electricity.

From Washington Post

“It hit the catenary wire that runs between the 3 towers,” Parsons wrote in a tweet from the EGS Twitter account.

From The Verge

Related Words

• arc
• arch
• contour
• loop
• trajectory