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chain definition

chain (c̸hān)

noun

  1. a flexible series of joined links, usually of metal, used to pull, confine, etc. or to transmit power
  2. tire chain
    1. bonds, shackles, etc.
    2. anything that binds, ties, or restrains chains of love
    3. captivity; bondage
  3. any chainlike ornament, badge, etc.
  4. 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
  5. a series of things connected causally, logically, physically, etc. chain of events, mountain chain
  6. ☆ a number of stores, restaurants, etc. owned by one company
  7. Chem. a linkage of atoms in a molecule

Etymology: ME & OFr chaine < L catena < IE base *kat-, to twist, twine > prob. OE heathor, confinement

transitive verb

  1. to fasten or shackle with chains
  2. to hold down, restrain, confine, etc.
Chain definition

Chain (c̸hān)

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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