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chain

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A chain is a series of objects, people or events which are connected to one another, or a flexible series of metal links. (noun)

An example of a chain is a link of DNA.
An example of a chain is a series of connected metal links used to contain a dog in a yard.

Chain means to fasten, secure or confine. (verb)

An example of to chain is to handcuff someone.

See chain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a flexible series of joined links, usually of metal, used to pull, confine, etc. or to transmit power
tire chain
1. bonds, shackles, etc.
2. anything that binds, ties, or restrains: chains of love
3. captivity; bondage
any chainlike ornament, badge, etc.
a chainlike measuring instrument, or its measure of length; specif.,
1. a surveyor's (or Gunter's) chain (66 feet or 20.117 meters or 100 links)
2. an engineer's chain (100 feet or 30.48 meters or 100 links)
3. Football a chain 10 yards in length, used to measure for a first down
  often the chains
a series of things connected causally, logically, physically, etc.: chain of events, mountain chain
☆ a number of stores, restaurants, etc. owned by one company
Chem. a linkage of atoms in a molecule

transitive verb

to fasten or shackle with chains
to hold down, restrain, confine, etc.

Chain, Ernst Boris 1906-79; Brit. biochemist, born in Germany

See chain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(chān)

noun

a. A connected, flexible series of links, typically of metal, used especially for holding objects together or restraining or for transmitting mechanical power.
b. Such a set of links, often of precious metal and with pendants attached, worn as an ornament or symbol of office.
A restraining or confining agent or force.
chains
a. Bonds, fetters, or shackles.
b. Captivity or oppression; bondage: threw off the chains of slavery.
A series of closely linked or connected things: a chain of coincidences. See Synonyms at series.
A number of establishments, such as stores, theaters, or hotels, under common ownership or management.
A range of mountains.
Chemistry A group of atoms bonded in a spatial configuration like links in a chain.
a. An instrument used in surveying, consisting of 100 linked pieces of iron or steel and measuring 66 feet (20.1 meters). Also called Gunter's chain.
b. A similar instrument used in engineering, measuring 100 feet (30.5 meters).
c. Abbr. ch A unit of measurement equal to the length of either of these instruments.

transitive verb chained, chain·ing, chains

To bind or make fast with a chain or chains: chained the dog to a tree.
To restrain or confine as if with chains: workers who were chained to a life of dull routine.

(click for a larger image)

chain

left to right: figaro, sash, and stud links

(chān), Sir Ernst Boris 1906-1979.

German-born British biochemist. He isolated and purified penicillin; for this achievement he shared a 1945 Nobel Prize with Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin in 1928.

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