funi

n. [ L. funiculus, dim. of funis cord, rope: cf. F. funicule funicle (in sense 2). Cf. Funambulo. ] (Bot.) 1. A small cord, ligature, or fiber. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) The little stalk that attaches a seed to the placenta. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

a. Forming a narrow ridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Funiculi [ L., a little cord. See Funicle. ] 1. (Anat.) A cord, baud, or bundle of fibers; esp., one of the small bundles of fibers, of which large nerves are made up; applied also to different bands of white matter in the brain and spinal cord. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) (a) A short cord which connects the embryo of some myriapods with the amnion. (b) In Bryozoa, an organ extending back from the stomach. See Bryozoa, and Phylactolema. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. funis rope + -form. ] (Bot.) Resembling a cord in toughness and flexibility, as the roots of some endogenous trees. [ 1913 Webster ]