Definition of "catenary" [cat•e•na•ry]

• 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. (noun)
• Something having the general shape of this curve. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term catenary comes from the curve created by the sagging of a wire or chain between two points."
• "Get the N.E. corridors speeds ups by replacing catenary from the 1930’s, better superelevation, equipment et al. That’s only a start as the rest of the country needs upgrading as well."
• "A catenary is a cross between a cat and a canary, and if you keep one you must discipline it strongly to make sure it does not eat itself."