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chain
The definition of 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 is defined as to fasten, secure or confine.
(verb)An example of to chain is to handcuff someone.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.
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
- bonds, shackles, etc.
- anything that binds, ties, or restrains: chains of love
- captivity; bondage
- any chainlike ornament, badge, etc.
- a chainlike measuring instrument, or its measure of length; specif.,
- a surveyor's (or Gunter's) chain (66 feet or 20.117 meters or 100 links)
- an engineer's chain (100 feet or 30.48 meters or 100 links)
- Football a chain 10 yards in length, used to measure for a first downoften 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
Origin: ME & OFr chaine < L catena < IE base *kat-, to twist, twine > prob. OE heathor, confinement
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
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.
- chainsa. 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.
- 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.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English chaine
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Latin catēna
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(click for a larger image)
chain
left to right: figaro, sash, and stud links
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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