catenary

cat·e·nar·y  (ktn-r, k-tn-r) n. pl. cat·e·nar·ies 1. The curve formed by a perfectly flexible, uniformly dense, and inextensible cable suspended from its endpoints. It is identical to the graph of a hyperbolic cosine. 2. Something having the general shape of this curve. [New Latin catnria, from Latin, feminine of catnrius, relating to a chain, from catna, chain.] cate·nary adj.

catenary the equation for this catenary in rectangular coordinates, with a as the y-intercept is: y = ( a/2 ) (ex/a+ e-x/a)

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catenary [kəˈtiːnərɪ]

n pl -ries

1. (Mathematics) 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

2. (Transport / Railways) the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended

adj also catenarian [ˌkætɪˈnɛərɪən]

(Engineering / Civil Engineering) of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain

[from Latin catēnārius relating to a chain]

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cat•e•nar•y (ˈkæt nˌɛr i; esp. Brit. kəˈti nə ri)

n., pl. -nar•ies,
adj. n.

1. 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 cosh (x/k).

2. (in electric railroads) the cable, running above the track, from which the trolley wire is suspended.

adj.

3. of, pertaining to, or resembling a catenary.

[1780–90; < Latin catēnārius relating to a chain =catēn(a) a chain + -ārius -ary]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

catenary - the curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed points curve, curved shape - the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

Translations

catenary [kəˈtiːnərɪ] n (Phys) → catenaria