chain

17 ENTRIES FOUND:

¹ chain /ˈtʃeɪn/ noun

plural chains

¹ chain

/ˈtʃeɪn/

noun

plural chains

Britannica Dictionary definition of CHAIN

a : a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.

[count]

The neighbor's dog is kept on a chain. [=is connected to a chain that keeps it from getting away]
She wore a beautiful gold chain [=necklace] around her neck.
the ship's anchor chain
a bicycle chain

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[noncount]

We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.

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— see pictures on this page, and at bicycle; see also choke chain, key chain

b [count] : a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner — usually plural

The prisoners were kept in chains while being transferred to the new jail.

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— often used figuratively

The contract would keep the employees in chains, unable to leave the company for at least five years.

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— see also ball and chain

[count] : a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way

a chain of islands
The world's longest mountain chain [=group of mountains that form a long line] is the Andes.
The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
Protesters formed a human chain [=they stood next to each other with their arms linked] around the ancient tree to prevent it from being cut down.

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— see also daisy chain, food chain

[count] : a group of businesses (such as stores, restaurants, or hotels) that have the same name and basic appearance and sell the same products or services

They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
fast-food/clothing chains

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also : the company that owns such a group of businesses

The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.

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— see also chain store

[count] British : a number of people who each want to buy a house but must first sell their current house before moving to the next one — usually singular