chain

¹chain

noun, often attributive \ˈchān\

Definition of CHAIN

1

a : a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement)

b : a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insignia

c (1) : a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying (2) : a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)

2

: something that confines, restrains, or secures

3

a : a series of things linked, connected, or associated together <a chain of events> <a mountain chain>

b : a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control <fast-food chains>

c : a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain

Examples of CHAIN

1. We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.
2. The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
3. They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
4. The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.

Origin of CHAIN

Middle English cheyne, from Anglo-French chaene, from Latin catena

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CHAIN

Synonyms

catena, catenation, concatenation, consecution, nexus, progression, sequence, string, train

Related Words

chain reaction; belt, circle, cycle, vicious circle (also vicious cycle); continuum, gamut, gauntlet (also gantlet), scale, spectrum; flow, river, stream; file, line, queue, range, row, succession

Near Antonyms

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

Rhymes with CHAIN

ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, crane, deign, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, main, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, rein, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, wane, Wayne

²chain

transitive verb

Definition of CHAIN

1

: to obstruct or protect by a chain

2

: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain; also : fetter

Examples of CHAIN

1. She chained her bicycle to the post and went inside.
2. <chaining up the dog in the backyard>

First Known Use of CHAIN

14th century

Related to CHAIN

Synonyms

bind, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, manacle, pinion, shackle, trammel

Antonyms

unbind, unfetter, unshackle

Related Words

bit, hobble, hog-tie, iron, lash, secure, tie, truss; attach, fasten, join, link; confine, constrain, curb, hamper, hinder, impede; limit, restrict; entangle, tangle

Near Antonyms

emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue; undo, unfasten, untangle, untie; detach, disengage

Chain

biographical name \ˈchān\

Definition of CHAIN

Sir Ernst Boris 1906–1979 British (Ger.-born) biochem.

chain

noun , often attrib \ˈchān\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CHAIN

1

: a series of things (as bacteria) linked, connected, or associated together

2

: a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain