Catenary

A catenary is a curve denoted by an ideal chain hanging under its own weight from two supports. A catenary is easily confused with a parabola, however, they are distinct curves.

A catenary has several mathematical properties unique to it. By the virtue of its mechanical description, its analysis finds several practical applications, going beyond the field of mechanics, such as into electromagnetism. It was first studied by Robert Hooke in the 1670s.