Catenary.

Catenary. The catenary is the curve formed by a flexible homogeneous cord hanging freely between two points of support, and acted on by no other force than gravity, the name being suggested by Lat. catena, 'a chain.' The catenary possesses several remarkable properties, one of which is, that its centre of Gravity (q.v.) is lower than that of any curve of equal perimeter, and with the same fixed points for its extremities. It is of importance for the theory of suspension Bridges (q.v.).