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
Failures of the overhead catenary wires — the power lines that function much like the third rail on a subway — have been a regular occurrence on the rail line in recent months.
—
Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 Dec. 2024
Second, the drooping power lines increase the risk that the wires get tangled up in the pantographs, the linkages atop of the trains that slide along the catenary and draw power from it.
—Nolan Hicks, Curbed, 9 July 2024
Third, the old catenary limits the speed of trains, even at middling temperatures.
—Nolan Hicks, Curbed, 9 July 2024
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 Dec. 2024
Second, the drooping power lines increase the risk that the wires get tangled up in the pantographs, the linkages atop of the trains that slide along the catenary and draw power from it.
—Nolan Hicks, Curbed, 9 July 2024
Third, the old catenary limits the speed of trains, even at middling temperatures.
—Nolan Hicks, Curbed, 9 July 2024
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
Articles Related to catenary
Dictionary Entries Near catenary
Cite this Entry
“Catenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catenary. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share