First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1chain
noun, often attributive \ˈchān\
: a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.
: a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner
: a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way
Full Definition of CHAIN
1
a : a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement) b : a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insignia c (1) : a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying (2) : a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2
: something that confines, restrains, or secures
3
a : a series of things linked, connected, or associated together <a chain of events> <a mountain chain> b : a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control <fast-food chains> c : a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
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Origin of CHAIN
Middle English cheyne, from Anglo-French chaene, from Latin catena
Related to CHAIN
- Synonyms
- catena, catenation, concatenation, consecution, nexus, progression, sequence, string, train
Rhymes with CHAIN
ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, crane, deign, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, main, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, rein, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, wane, Wayne
2chain
verb
: to fasten, hold, or connect (someone or something) with a chain
Full Definition of CHAIN
transitive verb
1
: to obstruct or protect by a chain
2
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain; also : fetter
See chain defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHAIN
14th century
Chain
biographical name \ˈchān\
Definition of CHAIN
Sir Ernst Boris 1906–1979 British (Ger.-born) biochem.
CHAIN Defined for Kids
1chain
noun \ˈchān\
Definition of CHAIN for Kids
1
: a series of connected links or rings usually of metal <She wore a gold chain around her neck.>
2
: a series of things joined together as if by links <a chain of mountains> <a chain of events>
3
: a group of businesses that have the same name and sell the same products or services <a chain of grocery stores>
2chain
verb
chainedchain·ing
Definition of CHAIN for Kids
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain <I chained my bike to a tree.>
Medical Dictionary
chain
noun , often attrib \ˈchān\
Medical Definition of CHAIN
1
: a series of things (as bacteria) linked, connected, or associated together
2
: a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
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