catenary

catenaryThe equation for this catenary with a as the y-intercept is y = ^a/₂ (e^x/a + e^-x/a).

cat·e·nar·y

C0160800 (kăt′n-ĕr′ē, kə-tē′nə-rē)n. pl. cat·e·nar·ies 1. The curve formed by a perfectly flexible, uniformly dense, and inextensible cable suspended from its endpoints. It is identical to the graph of a hyperbolic cosine.2. Something having the general shape of this curve.

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[New Latin catēnāria, from Latin, feminine of catēnārius, relating to a chain, from catēna, chain.]

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cat′e·nar′y adj.

catenary

(kəˈtiːnərɪ) n, pl -ries1. (Mathematics) the curve assumed by a heavy uniform flexible cord hanging freely from two points. When symmetrical about the y-axis and intersecting it at y = a, the equation is y = a cosh x/a2. (Railways) the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspendedadj (Civil Engineering) of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain[C18: from Latin catēnārius relating to a chain]

cat•e•nar•y

(ˈkæt nˌɛr i; esp. Brit. kəˈti nə ri)

n., pl. -nar•ies,
adj. n. 1. 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. adj. 3. of, pertaining to, or resembling a catenary. [1780–90; < Latin catēnārius relating to a chain =catēn(a) a chain + -ārius -ary]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

catenary - the curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed pointscurve, curved shape - the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

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