Catenary

( Math.) The curve into which a chord or flexible chain of uniform density and thickne forms itself when suspended or allowed to hang freely from two fixed points. This curve was first noticed by Galileo, who proposed it as the proper figure for an arch of equilibrium; but he imagined it to be the same as the parabola. Its true nature was first demonstrated by James Bernouilli, and its various properties soon after pointed out by John Bernouilli, Huygens, and Leibnitz. It is interesting on account of the light it throws on the theory of arches, and also by reason of its application to the construction of suspension bridges. - Consult Poi on's Mechanics. Caten'ulate, a . Applied to a surface, when presenting a series of elevated ridges or oblong tubercles resembling a chain.