chain

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a linked or connected series of objects

   a chain of daisies

2. 2
   noun

   a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

   the chain of command

3. 3
   noun

   A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.

   He wore a gold chain around the neck.

4. 4
   noun

   A series of interconnected things.

   a chain of mountains

5. 5
   noun

   A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.

   That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.

6. 6
   noun

   A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.

   side chain

7. 7
   noun

   A unit of length, exactly equal to 22 yards, which is 4 rods or 100 links, and approximately equal to 20.12 metres; the length of a Gunter's surveying chain; the length of a cricket pitch.

   "But it's too far—must be a quarter of a mile—and I've a portmanteau to carry." […] "Garn!" shouted the guard. "Taint ten chain. […]"

8. 8
   noun

   A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.

   We first find an approximation of the chain partition, i.e. a small but not minimum size set of chains which cover all elements of the poset.

Etymology

From Middle English cheyne, chaine, from Old French chaine, chaene (“chain”), from Latin catēna (“chain”), from Proto-Indo-European *kat- (“to braid, twist; hut, shed”). Doublet of catena. Displaced native Middle English rakil and rakent (from Old English racente (“chain”)); see rackan.