chain
Looking for the meaning of chain? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
“He wore a gold chain around the neck.”
A series of interconnected things.
“This led to an unfortunate chain of events.”
A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.
“That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.”
A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.
“When examined, the molecular chain included oxygen and hydrogen.”
A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.
A long measuring tape.
A unit of length equal to 22 yards. The length of a Gunter's surveying chain. The length of a cricket pitch. Equal to 20.12 metres, 4 rods, or 100 links.
A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.
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).
That which confines, fetters, or secures; a bond.
“the chains of habit”
(in the plural) Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels.
The warp threads of a web.
To fasten something with a chain.
To link multiple items together.
To secure someone with fetters.
To obstruct the mouth of a river etc with a chain.
To obligate.
To relate data items with a chain of pointers.
To be chained to another data item.
To measure a distance using a 66-foot long chain, as in land surveying.
(associated with Acorn Computers) To load and automatically run (a program).
Understanding "chain"
The word **"chain"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈt͡ʃeɪn/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"chain"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "chain" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "chain" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "chain" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈt͡ʃeɪn/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "chain" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "chain" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "chain" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "chain". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈt͡ʃeɪn/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "chain" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use chain in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "chain" can be used in academic and casual conversations.