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

The surface formed by revolving the catenary about its directrix is named the alysseide.

From Project Gutenberg

How to pass this snow catenary I knew not, for I did not think a human foot could trust itself upon so frail a support.

From Project Gutenberg

Soon after recrossing the snow catenary already mentioned we quitted the ridge to get obliquely along the slope of the pyramid.

From Project Gutenberg

The only surface of revolution having this property is the catenoid formed by the revolution of a catenary about its directrix.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most laborious and practically useful works of Giddy was a treatise on the properties of the Catenary Curve.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arc
• arch
• contour
• loop
• trajectory