tʃeɪn n. & v. --n. 1 a a
connected flexible series of
esp.
metal links as
decoration or
for a
practical purpose. b
something resembling
this (formed a
human chain). 2 (in pl.) a fetters used to
confine prisoners. b
any restraining force. 3 a
sequence, series, or set (chain of events;
mountain chain). 4 a
group of associated hotels, shops, newspapers, etc. 5 a
badge of
office in
the form of a chain
worn round the
neck (mayoral chain). 6 a a jointed measuring-line consisting of linked metal rods. b
its length (66 ft.). 7 Chem. a group of (esp. carbon) atoms
bonded in sequence in a
molecule. 8 a
figure in a quadrille or
similar dance. 9 (in pl.) Naut. channels (see CHANNEL(2)). 10 (also chain-shot)
hist.
two cannon-balls or
half balls joined by a chain
and used in
sea battles for bringing down a mast etc. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by up)
secure or confine
with a chain. 2 confine or
restrict (a person) (is chained to the office). øchain-armour
armour made of interlaced rings. chain bridge a
suspension bridge on chains. chain
drive a
system of
transmission by
endless chains. chain-gang a
team of convicts chained
together and forced to
work in the
open air. chain-gear a
gear transmitting
motion by
means of an endless chain. chain-letter
one of a sequence of letters the
recipient of
which is requested to
send copies to a
specific number of
other people. chain-link made of
wire in a diamond-shaped
mesh (chain-link fencing). chain-mail = chain-armour. chain
reaction 1
Physics a
self-sustaining nuclear reaction, esp. one in which a
neutron from a
fission reaction initiates a series of
these reactions. 2 Chem. a self-sustaining
molecular reaction in which
intermediate products
initiate further reactions. 3 a series of events,
each caused by the
previous one. chain-saw a motor-driven saw with
teeth on an endless chain. chain-smoker a
person who smokes continually, esp. one who
lights a
cigarette etc. from the
stub of the last one smoked. chain-stitch an
ornamental embroidery or
crochet stitch resembling chains. chain
store one of a series of shops owned by one firm and selling the
same sort of goods. chain-wale =
CHANNEL(2). chain-wheel a
wheel transmitting
power by a chain
fitted to its edges. [ME f. OF cha(e)ine f. L catena]