a. [f. L. fūnicul-us + -AR. Cf. F. funiculaire.]
1. Of or pertaining to a funiculus in various senses. † Funicular hypothesis: see FUNICULUS 2.
1664. Power, Experimental Philosophy, II. 138. A Confutation of this Funicular Hypothesis of Linus.
1709. F. Hauksbee, Phys. Mech. Exp., iii. (1719), 89. The Objections of the Favourers of Suction, and the Funicular Hypothesis.
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.
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.
1828. J. M. Spearman, Brit. Gunner (ed. 2), 296. The whole is called the Funicular Machine.
1837. Whewell, Hist. Induct. Sc. (1857), II. 13. Stevin applies his principle of equilibrium to cordage, pullies, funicular polygons.
1886. Pall Mall G., 24 June, 14/1. The ascent will be by means of a funicular railway.
1892. Tablet, 3 Sept., 365. A funicular railway runs up the mountains side.
3. Resembling a cord; spec. in Anat. and Bot.
18356. R. B. Todd, The Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology, I. 702/1. Small muscles to which Poli has given the name of funicular muscles.
1845. Todd & Bowman, Phys. Anat., I. 70. Funicular, rounded cords of white fibrous tissue.
1851. D. Wilson, Preh. Ann. (1863), I. II. vi. 465. The knotted funicular torc.
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.
4. Pertaining to the funis or umbilical cord.
1873. Kennedy, in Leishman, Syst. Midwif., ix. 179. Except under such circumstances, it must be very difficult to discover the funicular soufflet.