catenary
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 = kcosh(x/k).
(in electric railroads) the cable, running above the track, from which the trolley wire is suspended.
of, relating to, or resembling a catenary.
of or relating to a chain or linked series.
Origin of catenary
1Words Nearby catenary
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use catenary in a sentence
The surface formed by revolving the catenary about its directrix is named the alysseide.
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.
Hours of Exercise in the Alps | John TyndallSoon after recrossing the snow catenary already mentioned we quitted the ridge to get obliquely along the slope of the pyramid.
Hours of Exercise in the Alps | John TyndallThe only surface of revolution having this property is the catenoid formed by the revolution of a catenary about its directrix.
One of the most laborious and practically useful works of Giddy was a treatise on the properties of the catenary Curve.
Cornish Characters | S. Baring-Gould
British Dictionary definitions for catenary
/ (kəˈtiːnərɪ) /
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
the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended
of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain
Origin of catenary
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse