catenary

noun

cat·​e·​nary ˈka-tə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce catenary (audio)
-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
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.
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 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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin catenaria, from Latin, feminine of catenarius of a chain, from catena

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catenary was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near catenary

Cite this Entry

“Catenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catenary. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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