Adjacent Words

catenary definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: the curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed points

Merriam Webster's

noun (plural -naries) Etymology: New Latin catenaria, from Latin, feminine of catenarius of a chain, from catena Date: 1788 1. the curve assumed by a cord of uniform density and cross section that is perfectly flexible but not capable of being stretched and that hangs freely from two fixed points 2. something in the form of a catenary • catenary adjective

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) a curve formed by a uniform chain hanging freely from two points not in the same vertical line. --adj. of or resembling such a curve. Phrases and idioms: catenary bridge a suspension bridge hung from such chains. Etymology: L catenarius f. catena chain

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Catenary Cat"e*na*ry, Catenarian Cat`e*na"ri*an, a. [L. catenarius, fr. catena a chain. See Chain.] Relating to a chain; like a chain; as, a catenary curve.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

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

Moby Thesaurus

arc, bow, cadence, catacaustic, caustic, circle, conchoid, crook, curl, curve, decline, decurrence, diacaustic, droop, ellipse, festoon, hook, hyperbola, lapse, lituus, lowering, parabola, sag, sinkage, sinus, slump, submergence, subsidence, swag, tracery