chain

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
  2. noun (chemistry) a series of linked atoms (generally in an organic molecule)
  3. noun a series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

concatenation

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