catenary
noun
cat·e·nary
ˈka-tə-ˌner-ē 
-ˌne-rē,
especially British kə-ˈtē-nə-rē
plural 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
adjective
Examples of catenary in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While much of the initial track-laying work will take place along the riverfront, crews will eventually need to close down the curving Berkley Parkway bridge twice in order to install tracks and overhead catenary wires along it.
—
Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024
How much of the track and overhead catenary wires will run on the surface, competing for space on thoroughfares with vehicle traffic, and how much will go underground?
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2024
Fire crews were delayed briefly while it was ensured all rail traffic was halted and power to the overhead catenary lines was deactivated, fire officials said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2024
Going up next are the overhead catenary wires, which will provide power to the all-electric streetcar.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2024
The catenary between Kensington and Michigan City had been replaced nine years ago, Fleshman said, but much of the catenary between Michigan City and South Bend had been there since the 1940s.
—Tim Zorn, chicagotribune.com, 28 Sep. 2021
Fuel cells are an attractive way to electrify rail lines where adding a third rail or catenary is unworkable or cost-prohibitive, and GM is working with train-maker Wabtec to adapt GM's Hydrotec fuel cell platform to power freight locomotives.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2022
Their catenaries hug the curves in Sheree Hovsepian’s photograms, layered with stretches of arced pantyhose in what might be called femme modernism.
—Lori Waxman, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018
The steel catenary riser also takes up less deck space.
—Ryan Maye Handy, Houston Chronicle, 2 May 2018
Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024
How much of the track and overhead catenary wires will run on the surface, competing for space on thoroughfares with vehicle traffic, and how much will go underground?
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2024
Fire crews were delayed briefly while it was ensured all rail traffic was halted and power to the overhead catenary lines was deactivated, fire officials said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2024
Going up next are the overhead catenary wires, which will provide power to the all-electric streetcar.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2024
The catenary between Kensington and Michigan City had been replaced nine years ago, Fleshman said, but much of the catenary between Michigan City and South Bend had been there since the 1940s.
—Tim Zorn, chicagotribune.com, 28 Sep. 2021
Fuel cells are an attractive way to electrify rail lines where adding a third rail or catenary is unworkable or cost-prohibitive, and GM is working with train-maker Wabtec to adapt GM's Hydrotec fuel cell platform to power freight locomotives.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2022
Their catenaries hug the curves in Sheree Hovsepian’s photograms, layered with stretches of arced pantyhose in what might be called femme modernism.
—Lori Waxman, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018
The steel catenary riser also takes up less deck space.
—Ryan Maye Handy, Houston Chronicle, 2 May 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catenary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Catenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catenary. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
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