catenaryn.adj.
/kəˈtiːnəri/ A. n.
Mathematics. [ < modern Latin catenaria.] The curve formed by a chain or rope of uniform density hanging freely from two fixed points not in the same vertical line. The common catenary is the curve so formed by a chain of uniform thickness.
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the world > relative properties > number > geometry > curve > [noun] > used in physics
isochrona1774
tautochronea1774
catenary1788
tautochronism1814
adiabatic1871
catenarian1872
adiabat1891
1788 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) II. 546 Every part of a catenary is in perfect equilibrium.
1798 C. Hutton Course Math. (1828) II. 175 A heavy flexible cord or chain, left to adjust itself into a hanging catenary.
1856 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters IV. 277 One of the most beautifully gradated natural curves—called the catenary.
B. adj.
1. Mathematics. catenary curve = catenary n. and adj.; see A.
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1872 J. Ruskin Eagle's Nest §139 The parabolas of ..waterfalls and fountains..the catenary curves of their falling festoons.
1887 T. Hardy Woodlanders I. i. 6 A hook to which the reins were hitched..forming a catenary curve.
2. Relating to a catena or series.
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the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > [adjective] > belonging to a series
concatenary1836
serial1836
seriary1851
catenary1852
catenarian1863
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > curve > [adjective] > describing curves used in physics
catenarian curve1751
tautochronous1771
catenary1852
1852 I. Taylor Restoration of Belief (1855) ii. 221 By processes of catenary deduction.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1889; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.adj.1788