long-chain

adjective

ˈlȯŋ-ˈchān 

: having a relatively long chain of atoms and especially carbon atoms in the molecule

long-chain hydrocarbons

Examples of long-chain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The body digests these fats more quickly and easily than long-chain fatty acids. — Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 30 Dec. 2025

Oily fish, such as salmon, are higher in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids which may help prevent heart disease. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 30 Mar. 2026

The discovery of sulfur-rich organics followed in 2018, and just this year, more complex, long-chain alkanes were found in Martian mudstones. — Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Big Think, 17 Sep. 2025

Our results indicate that pregnant women have special reason to be concerned about exposure to long-chain PFAS through drinking water. — Ashley Langer, The Conversation, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for long-chain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Medical Definition

long-chain

adjective

: having a relatively long chain of atoms and especially carbon atoms in the molecule

long-chain hydrocarbons