Definition of catenary
catenaries
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
adjectiveExplore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of catenary from the Web
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Click on a title like catenary-on-azure, and you’ll be directed to a webpage where a single catenary chain multiplies into dozens and then hundreds, forming a beating circular GIF made from hundreds of individual GIFs.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'catenary'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of catenary
New Latin catenaria, from Latin, feminine of catenarius of a chain, from catena
First Known Use: 1788
Learn More about catenary
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See words that rhyme with catenary Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catenary
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