Catenary
/ˈkætənɛri/noun
A curve formed by a hanging flexible chain or cable supported at its ends.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin *catena* meaning “chain,” and the same root also gave English *catena* and *catenate*, turning a simple physical shape into a word built on linked connections.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
catena
“chain”
Late Latin
Latin
catenarius
“of a chain, chained”
17th Century
English
catenary
“relating to a hanging chain or its curve”
Modern English
English
catenary
“the curve assumed by a freely hanging chain or cable”
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