Funicular curve

Funicular Fu*nic"u*lar, a. [Cf. F. funiculaire.] [1913 Webster] 1. Consisting of a small cord or fiber. [1913 Webster]

2. Dependent on the tension of a cord. [1913 Webster]

3. (Anat.) Pertaining to a funiculus; made up of, or resembling, a funiculus, or funiculi; as, a funicular ligament. [1913 Webster]

{Funicular action} (Mech.), the force or action exerted by a rope in drawing together the supports to which its ends are Fastened, when acted upon by forces applied in a direction transverse to the rope, as in the archer's bow.

{Funicular curve}. Same as {Catenary}.

{Funicular machine} (Mech.), an apparatus for illustrating certain principles in statics, consisting of a cord or chain attached at one end to a fixed point, and having the other passed over a pulley and sustaining a weight, while one or more other weights are suspended from the cord at points between the fixed support and the pulley.

{Funicular polygon} (Mech.), the polygonal figure assumed by a cord fastened at its extremities, and sustaining weights at different points. [1913 Webster]