catenary

== English == === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /kəˈtiːnəɹi/, /kəˈtɛnəɹi/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈkætəˌnɛɹi/ === Etymology 1 === From Latin catenarius, from Latin catēna (“chain”). ==== Adjective ==== catenary (comparative more catenary, superlative most catenary) Relating to a chain; like a chain. Relating to a catena. ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Related terms ===== ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === From Late Latin catenaria, in turn from Latin catēna (“chain”). Attested since 1788. ==== 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 by no other forces than a uniform gravitational force due to its own weight and variations involving additional and non-uniform forces. It is described by the hyperbolic cosine function. (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. (transport) 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 (metonymic) the combination of the conductor, the cable, and supports. ===== Synonyms ===== (geometry): alysoid, chainette ===== Derived terms ===== catenary bridge ===== Related terms ===== ====== Gallery ====== ====== Further reading ====== catenary on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Weighted catenary on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Catenary arch on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Overhead catenary (transportation) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia ===== Translations =====