a. [f. L. fūnicul-us + -AR. Cf. F. funiculaire.]

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  1.  Of or pertaining to a funiculus in various senses. † Funicular hypothesis: see FUNICULUS 2.

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1664.  Power, Experimental Philosophy, II. 138. A Confutation of this Funicular Hypothesis of Linus.

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1709.  F. Hauksbee, Phys. Mech. Exp., iii. (1719), 89. The Objections of the Favourers of Suction, and the Funicular Hypothesis.

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1866.  A. Flint, Princ. Med. (1880), 735. The name funicular sclerosis is given to sclerosis following certain definite columns of the cord, such as lateral and posterior spinal sclerosis.

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  2.  Of or pertaining to a rope or its tension; depending on or worked by a rope. Funicular machine: an arrangement of a cord, pulleys, and suspended weights, designed to illustrate statical principles. Funicular polygon: the figure assumed by a cord supported at its extremities, and having weights suspended from it at various points. Funicular railway: one worked by a cable and stationary engine; a cable railway.

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1828.  J. M. Spearman, Brit. Gunner (ed. 2), 296. The whole is called the Funicular Machine.

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1837.  Whewell, Hist. Induct. Sc. (1857), II. 13. Stevin … applies his principle of equilibrium to cordage, pullies, funicular polygons.

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1886.  Pall Mall G., 24 June, 14/1. The ascent … will be by means of a funicular railway.

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1892.  Tablet, 3 Sept., 365. A funicular railway runs up the mountain’s side.

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  3.  Resembling a cord; spec. in Anat. and Bot.

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1835–6.  R. B. Todd, The Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology, I. 702/1. Small muscles … to which Poli has given the name of funicular muscles.

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1845.  Todd & Bowman, Phys. Anat., I. 70. Funicular, rounded cords of white fibrous tissue.

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1851.  D. Wilson, Preh. Ann. (1863), I. II. vi. 465. The knotted funicular torc.

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1856.  Henslow, Dict. Bot. Terms, Funicular chord, a cord-like appendage, by the intervention of which … the seeds are attached, instead of being seated immediately on the placenta.

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  4.  Pertaining to the funis or umbilical cord.

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1873.  Kennedy, in Leishman, Syst. Midwif., ix. 179. Except under such circumstances, it must be very difficult to discover the funicular soufflet.

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