cat·e·nar·y

[kat-n-er-ee; especially British kuh-tee-nuh-ree] noun, plural cat·e·nar·ies, adjective
noun
1.
Mathematics. 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.
adjective
3.
of, pertaining to, or resembling a catenary.
4.
of or pertaining to a chain or linked series.

Origin:
1780–90; < Latin catēnārius relating to a chain, equivalent to catēn(a) a chain + -ārius -ary

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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00:10
Catenary is always a great word to know.
So is rounding. Does it mean:
occurring in a manner independent of some variable, parameter or function: a uniform bound
the process of replacing a number by another number of approximately the same value but having fewer digits
Collins
World English Dictionary
catenary (kəˈtiːnərɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n , pl -ries
1.  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.  the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended
 
adj
3.  of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain
 
[C18: from Latin catēnārius relating to a chain]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

catenary
1788, from L. catenanus, from catena "chain" (see chain).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

catenary

in mathematics, a curve that describes the shape of a flexible hanging chain or cable-the name derives from the Latin catenaria ("chain"). Any freely hanging cable or string assumes this shape, also called a chainette, if the body is of uniform mass per unit of length and is acted upon solely by gravity.

Learn more about catenary with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Example sentences
New construction consists of installation of a new catenary lightning protection system and counterpoise system.
The catenary suspension strand is usually attached to the cable suspension strand by means of cable suspension hooks.
Poles touch the catenary wires and provide electricity directly to the bus's electric propulsion system.
Much of the book is about their practical problems-thrust lines, the catenary curve and groin vaulting.
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