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WordNet 3.0Copyright Princeton University
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n. - The curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed points.

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Usage examples (38)
  • The term catenary comes from the curve created by the sagging of a wire or chain between two points.
  • (The catenary is the curve of a flexible cable suspended by its ends and acted on by gravity.)
  • - Instead of a flat roof, the main chapel has a distinctively curved ceiling called a catenary arch.
  • The shape of the curve a catenary is the one that minimizes the potential energy of the entire chain.
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The Open Dictionary of English is a collaborative project, based on Open Source materials, LearnThat resources, and partner APIs.
We give special thanks to our LearnThat volunteers, as well as Princeton University and Wiktionary for their Open Source word data. We're also grateful for the support given by Google, Wordnik.com, Dictionary.com, Stands4.com and YouTube, OEDILF.com, Kylescholz.com, Best-Practice.com, Forvo.com, as well as the generous Creative Commons community.