funicular

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​nic·​u·​lar fyu̇-ˈni-kyə-lər 

fə-

1

: having the form of or associated with a cord usually under tension

2

[New Latin funiculus] : of, relating to, or being a funiculus

3

: of, relating to, or being a funicular

a funicular system

funicular

2 of 2

noun

: a cable railway ascending a mountain

especially : one in which an ascending car counterbalances a descending car

Did you know?

You may have fun on a funicular, but the word is not related to "fun" (which comes to us from an English dialect verb meaning "to hoax"). The noun "funicular" descends from an earlier adjective funicular, meaning "relating to a cord under tension." It was also influenced by "funiculaire," a French word used for a type of railway that is dependent upon cables (or on "cords under tension"). Ultimately, these terms trace back to the Latin noun funiculus, meaning "small rope." "Funicular" first appeared in print as an adjective in English in 1664; the noun has been with us since the early 20th century.

Examples of funicular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

To get there, ride the historic funicular railway, the Peak Tram, for a scenic 10-minute journey. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

With its cobblestone streets, optional funicular lift, and panoramic view, the Buda Castle grounds immerse festival-goers in a unique cultural and sensory experience. —Jill Barth, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Noun

Built in 2016, the $49.5 million lakefront estate has a sleek main house with a private funicular to access the guesthouse. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

Plus, the view of the rivers, hills and city from the Duquesne Incline funicular is hard to beat. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin funiculus

First Known Use

Adjective

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

funicular

noun

fu·​nic·​u·​lar

fyu̇-ˈnik-yə-lər,

fə-

: a cable railway going up a mountain

Medical Definition

funicular

adjective

fu·​nic·​u·​lar fyu̇-ˈnik-yə-lər, fə- 

: of, relating to, or being a funiculus