[kat-n-er-ee; especially Brit. kuh-tee-nuh-ree] 
noun, plural -nar⋅ies, adjective | 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 cosh(x/k). |
| 2. | (in electric railroads) the cable, running above the track, from which the trolley wire is suspended. |
| 3. | of, pertaining to, or resembling a catenary. |
| 4. | of or pertaining to a chain or linked series. |
cat·e·nar·y (kāt'n-ěr'ē, kə-tē'nə-rē)  (click for larger image in new window) n. pl. cat·e·nar·ies
[New Latin catēnāria, from Latin, feminine of catēnārius, relating to a chain, from catēna, chain.] cat'e·nar'y adj. |
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.
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nˌɛr