Chain

biographical name

Synonyms of Chainnext
Sir Ernst Boris 1906–1979 British (German-born) biochemist

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chain. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

chain

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: a series of connected links or rings
b
: a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying
c
: a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2
: something that restricts or binds : bond
3
a
: a series of things joined together as if by links
a chain of mountains
a chain of events
b
: a number of atoms united like links in a chain

chain

2 of 2 verb
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain

Medical Definition

chain

noun
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster