Definition of "chain" in English

noun

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

   • He wore a gold chain around the neck.
   • The anchor is connected to the boat with a 100-metre long chain.

2. A series of interconnected things.

   • a chain of mountains
   • a chain of ideas, one leading to the next
   • This led to an unfortunate chain of events.

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

   • That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.

4. (organic chemistry, physical chemistry) A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.

   • side chain
   • When examined, the molecular chain included oxygen and hydrogen.

5. (surveying) A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.

6. (surveying) A long measuring tape.

7. 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.

8. (mathematics, set theory, order theory) A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.

9. (algebraic topology, originally) A formal sum of cells in a CW complex of a certain dimension k (in which case the formal sums are called k'''-chains); a formal sum of simplices or cubes of a certain dimension in a simplical complex or cubical complex (respectively).

10. (algebraic topology, homological algebra, more generally) An element of a group (or module) in a chain complex.

11. (British) 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).

12. That which confines, fetters, or secures; a bond.

    • the chains of habit

13. (nautical, in the plural) Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels.

14. A livery collar, a chain of office.

15. (weaving) The warp threads of a web.

verb

1. (transitive) To fasten something with a chain.

   • You should chain your bicycle to the railings to protect it from being stolen.

2. (figurative) To connect as if with a chain, due to dependence, addiction, or other feelings

   • Sometimes I feel like I'm chained to this computer.