What is a funicular railway?

In the news about the recent accident at a ski resort in Austria, the reporters called the cable car that carried the skiers up the mountain a "funicular railway." What is that and how does it work?

Funicular for urban, touristic and industrial application - POMA

East Hill Cliff Railway, or East Hill Lift, is a funicular railway

Take a Look at the Interesting History of Funiculars: Trains that

The world's steepest funicular railway opens in Switzerland

Funicular Railways in Japan

Take a Ride on the World's Steepest Funicular Railway

Rail trip on the Niesen I

The First Funicular Railway in Portugal's Capital Begins

Incline Railroad or Funicular Railroad

Cunning funicular railway saves rails and digging

9,637 Funicular Railway Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock

14 Fabulous Funiculars From Around the Globe

Funicular Railway Giessbach Stand Seilbahn Berner Oberland…