CATENARY


Meaning of CATENARY in English

/kat"n er'ee/ ; esp. Brit. /keuh tee"neuh ree/ , n. , pl. catenaries , adj.

n.

1. Math. 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 cos h ( 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.

4. of or pertaining to a chain or linked series.

[ 1780-90; catenarius relating to a chain, equiv. to caten ( a ) a chain + -arius -ARY ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .