Dictionary

chain reaction

noun

: a series of events in which each event causes the next one : a series of events caused by one single event

: a chemical or nuclear change that causes other changes of the same kind to happen

Full Definition of CHAIN REACTION

1
a :  a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b :  a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
:  a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
chain–re·act \ˈchān-rē-ˈakt\ intransitive verb
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of CHAIN REACTION

circa 1902
CHAIN REACTION Defined for Kids

chain reaction

noun

Definition of CHAIN REACTION for Kids

:  a series of events in which each event causes the next one
Medical Dictionary

chain reaction

noun

Medical Definition of CHAIN REACTION

:  a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: chain reactorPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chain–reacting pileAll Words Near: chain reaction
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears