Chain

/ˈt͡ʃeɪn/ · noun

Meaning

A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal..

Definitions by Sense

1. A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
2. A series of interconnected things.
3. A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.
4. (organic chemistry, physical chemistry) A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.
5. (surveying) A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.
6. (surveying) A long measuring tape.
7. A unit of length, exactly equal to 22 yards, which is 4 rods or 100 links, and approximately equal to 20.12 metres; the length of a Gunter's surveying chain; the length of a cricket pitch.
8. (mathematics, set theory, order theory) A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.

Example Sentences

He wore a gold chain around the neck.

The anchor is connected to the boat with a 100-metre long chain.

a chain of mountains

a chain of ideas, one leading to the next

This led to an unfortunate chain of events.

That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.

side chain

When examined, the molecular chain included oxygen and hydrogen.

Synonyms for chain

Antonyms for chain

Related Words

Word Forms

• chains
• chaining
• chained

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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