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
See chain reaction defined for English-language learners
See chain reaction defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of CHAIN REACTION
circa 1902
CHAIN-REACT 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
Learn More About CHAIN REACTION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: chain reactorPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chain–reacting pileAll Words Near: chain reaction
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up chain reaction? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).