funicular machine

Funicular \Fu*nic"u*lar\, a. [Cf. F. funiculaire.]
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   1. Consisting of a small cord or fiber.
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   2. Dependent on the tension of a cord.
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   3. (Anat.) Pertaining to a funiculus; made up of, or
      resembling, a funiculus, or funiculi; as, a funicular
      ligament.
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   {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.
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