Definition of chain
1a : a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (such as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement)b : a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insigniac (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
3a : a series of things linked, connected, or associated together a chain of events a mountain chainb : a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control fast-food chainsc : a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
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Examples of chain in a Sentence
We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.
The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.
Origin and Etymology of chain
Middle English cheyne, from Anglo-French chaene, from Latin catena
First Known Use: 14th century
chain
Definition of chain
transitive verb
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 in a Sentence
She chained her bicycle to the post and went inside.
chaining up the dog in the backyard
14th Century
First Known Use of chain
14th century
Chain
playDefinition of Chain
Sir Ernst Boris 1906–1979 British (German-born) biochemist
CHAIN Defined for English Language Learners
chain
playDefinition of chain for English Language Learners
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: a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.
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: a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner
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: a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way
chain
Definition of chain for English Language Learners
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: to fasten, hold, or connect (someone or something) with a chain
CHAIN Defined for Kids
Definition of chain for Students
1 : a series of connected links or rings usually of metal She wore a gold chain around her neck.
2 : a series of things joined together as if by links a chain of mountains a chain of events
3 : a group of businesses that have the same name and sell the same products or services a chain of grocery stores
Definition of chain for Students
chained
;chaining
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain I chained my bike to a tree.
Medical Dictionary
chain
playMedical 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
Learn More about chain
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See words that rhyme with chain Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chain Spanish Central: Translation of chain Nglish: Translation of chain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of chain for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chain
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