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 Word Genius

world's steepest funicular railway opens in stoos, switzerland

Funicular (Cable) Railway

Cunning funicular railway saves rails and digging

Harder funicular railway – ride with majestic views

File:Funicular Railway (16401269228).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

14 Fabulous Funiculars From Around the Globe

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

Look out below! Europe's steepest funicular railway has a gradient

Funicular - Wikipedia

World's steepest funicular puts Stoos back on the tourist map

13 of the world's most spectacular Funicular Railways - CK Travels

The funicular railway - Pic du Jer