catenary
[ kat-n-er-ee; especially British kuh-tee-nuh-ree ]
/ ˈkæt nˌɛr i; especially British kəˈti nə ri /
noun, plural cat·e·nar·ies.
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.
adjective
of, relating to, or resembling a catenary.
of or relating to a chain or linked series.
Nearby words
Origin of catenary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for catenary
British Dictionary definitions for catenary
catenary
/ (kəˈtiːnərɪ) /
noun plural -ries
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
adjective Also: catenarian (ˌkætɪˈnɛərɪən)
of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain
Word Origin for catenary
C18: from Latin catēnārius relating to a chain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for catenary
catenary
1872, from Latin catenarius "relating to a chain," from catenanus "chained, fettered," from catena "chain, fetter, shackle" (see chain (n.)). As a noun from 1788 in mathematics. Related: Catenarian.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper