catenary
Americannoun
plural
catenaries-
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 ).
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(in electric railroads) the cable, running above the track, from which the trolley wire is suspended.
adjective
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of, relating to, or resembling a catenary.
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of or relating to a chain or linked series.
noun
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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
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the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended
adjective
Etymology
Origin of catenary
1780–90; < Latin catēnārius relating to a chain, equivalent to catēn ( a ) a chain + -ārius -ary
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An engineering feat, for sure, the resulting catenary curve in the sagging line is a visual treat as well, buoyant and struggling against the pull of gravity for no other reason than to delight.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2025
The veteran-owned business installed the line’s 340 steel poles, which support the catenary wires that power the electric streetcars.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2023
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 • Apr. 13, 2022
“It hit the catenary wire that runs between the 3 towers,” Parsons wrote in a tweet from the EGS Twitter account.
From The Verge • Apr. 3, 2022
I have not yet had time to engage in it; but I find that the conclusions of his demonstrations are, that every part of the catenary is in perfect equilibrium.
From Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2 by Randolph, Thomas Jefferson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
