catenary noun & adjective. [kǝ'ti:nǝri] M18.
[mod. Latin catenaria use as noun of fem. of Latin catenarius adjective, formed as CATENA: see -ARY¹.]
A. noun. A curve of the kind formed by a uniform chain hanging freely from two points not in the same vertical line. M18.
b. adjective.
1. Relating to a catena or series. M19.
catenary bridge a suspension bridge hung by uniform chains from two points not in the same vertical line.

2. Having the form of a catenary; pertaining to or characterized by a catenary. L19.

■ cate'narian adjective (now rare or obsolete) = CATENARY adjective M18.

■ 'catenoid noun a surface generated by rotation of a catenary about an axis L19.

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