CATENARY

catenary

(noun) the curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed points

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology 1

Adjective

catenary (comparative more catenary, superlative most catenary)

Relating to a chain; like a chain.

Relating to a catena.

Etymology 2

Noun

catenary (plural catenaries)

(geometry) The curve described by a flexible chain or a rope if it is supported at each end and is acted upon only by no other forces than a uniform gravitational force due to its own weight and variations involving additional and non-uniform forces.

(engineering) Any physical cable, rope, chain, or other weight-supporting structure taking such geometric shape, as a suspension cable for a bridge or a power-transmission line or an arch for a bridge or roof.

(nautical) The curve of an anchor cable from the seabed to the vessel; it should be horizontal at the anchor so as to bury the flukes.

(transportation) A cable, the segments of which between supports take a catenary geometric shape, supporting in turn an overhead conductor that provides trains, trams or trolley buses with electricity, or the combination of the conductor, the cable, and supports.

Synonyms

• (geometry): alysoid, chainette

Source: Wiktionary


Cat"e*na*ry, Cat`e*na"ri*an, a. Etym: [L. catenarius, fr. catena a chain. See Chain.]

Definition: Relating to a chain; like a chain; as, a catenary curve.

Cat"e*na*ry, n.; pl. Catenaries (. (Geol.)

Definition: The curve formed by a rope or chain of uniform density and perfect flexibility, hanging freely between two points of suspension, not in the same vertical line.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

2 May 2024

BEQUEATH

(verb) leave or give by will after one’s death; “My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry”; “My grandfather left me his entire estate”


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Coffee Trivia

An article published in Harvard Men’s Health Watch in 2012 shows heavy coffee drinkers live longer. The researchers examined data from 400,000 people and found out that men who drank six or more coffee cups per day had a 10% lower death rate.

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