chain

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 References 1.6 External links

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Old French chaeine (French: chaîne), from Latin catena.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /'ʧe:jn/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -eɪn

[edit] Noun

chain (plural chains)

1. A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.

   He wore a gold chain around the neck.

2. A series of interconnected things.

   This led to an unfortunate chain of events.

3. A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.

   That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.

4. A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.

   When examined, the molecular chain included oxygen and hydrogen.

5. (surveying) A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.
6. (surveying) A long measuring tape.
7. A unit of length equal to 22 yards. The length of a commonly used surveying chain. The length of a cricket pitch. Equal to 17.85 metres. Equal to 4 rods.
8. (British) A sequence of linked house purchases, each of which is dependent on the preceding and succeeding purchase (said to be "broken" if a buyer or seller pulls out).

[edit] Derived terms

chain gang chain letter chain lightning chainlink fence chain mail chain of command chain of events chain of production chain of thought chain pickerel chainplate chain reaction

chain rule chainsaw, chain saw chain shot chain-smoke chain smoker chain stitch chain store daisy chain food chain snow chain toolchain

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to chain (third-person singular simple present chains, present participle chaining, simple past and past participle chained)

1. (transitive) To fasten something with a chain
2. (intransitive) To link multiple items together
3. (transitive) To secure someone with fetters
4. (transitive) To obstruct the mouth of a river etc with a chain
5. (computing) To relate data items with a chain of pointers; to be chained to another data item
6. (transitive) To measure a distance using a 66-foot long chain, as in land surveying

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• chain in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• chain in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• OED 2nd edition 1989

[edit] External links

• Chain on Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons