Funicular

/fjuːˈnɪkjʊlər/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a rope or cord; of or relating to a funicular railway, which is a cable-drawn inclined railway.

Etymology

From Latin funiculus (small rope) + -ar suffix. The term became especially associated with funicular railways in the 19th century, when such systems became popular for climbing steep hills.

Kelly Says

Funicular railways are engineering marvels that use the weight of a descending car to pull an ascending car up the slope—no motor needed! The word perfectly captures how it all depends on the strength of that cable (funiculus).

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