chain-react

intransitive verb

chain-re·​act
: to take part in or undergo chain reaction

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from chain reaction

First Known Use

circa 1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain-react was circa 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Chain-react.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain-react. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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