Catenaries

/ˈkætɪnəriz/ noun

Definition

Plural of catenary; multiple curves or configurations shaped like hanging chains, or the overhead wires that power electric trains.

Etymology

Plural of catenary, which comes from Latin catenaria (relating to a chain), from catena. Each catenary is a distinct curve formed by gravity and tension.

Kelly Says

Electric trains are powered through catenaries—metal wires that hang in beautiful catenary curves—and the word connects medieval chain terminology to 21st-century infrastructure in one beautiful etymological line.

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