chain reaction
noun
1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
This happens thanks to the often hard-to-detect magnetic loops spreading across the sun’s corona, which can create explosive chain reactions in the process.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2024
The events also set off a chain reaction rattling campuses across the country, just as one of the most trying academic years in memory neared its end.
—Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
These slim cylindrical machines spin at supersonic speeds to create a form of uranium that contains higher concentrations of an isotope called U-235, the part of uranium that can be easily split to create a nuclear chain reaction.
—Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Embracing self-compassion initiates a chain reaction of acceptance, starting with acknowledging one’s own imperfections and extending to accepting imperfections in others.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Both vehicles were allegedly speeding on North Central Expressway near University Boulevard when Rice’s car hit the center median wall, leading to a chain reaction involving four other vehicles.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024
That now-infamous beatdown sparked a chain reaction that would lead to Shakur's death, prosecutors allege.
—Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2024
This chain reaction went from invasive ants to native ants to elephants to lions to zebra to buffalo.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024
This could start a chain reaction that speeds up your journey to your goals, asking you to follow your heart with the same energy without becoming complacent after specific milestones.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2024
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2024
The events also set off a chain reaction rattling campuses across the country, just as one of the most trying academic years in memory neared its end.
—Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
These slim cylindrical machines spin at supersonic speeds to create a form of uranium that contains higher concentrations of an isotope called U-235, the part of uranium that can be easily split to create a nuclear chain reaction.
—Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Embracing self-compassion initiates a chain reaction of acceptance, starting with acknowledging one’s own imperfections and extending to accepting imperfections in others.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Both vehicles were allegedly speeding on North Central Expressway near University Boulevard when Rice’s car hit the center median wall, leading to a chain reaction involving four other vehicles.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024
That now-infamous beatdown sparked a chain reaction that would lead to Shakur's death, prosecutors allege.
—Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2024
This chain reaction went from invasive ants to native ants to elephants to lions to zebra to buffalo.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024
This could start a chain reaction that speeds up your journey to your goals, asking you to follow your heart with the same energy without becoming complacent after specific milestones.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chain reaction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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