chain
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,567 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 6,560 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- a series of things depending on each other as if linked together also: concatenation the chain of commanda complicated concatenation of circumstances
- (chemistry) a series of linked atoms (generally in an organic molecule) also: chemical chain
- a series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament
- (business) a number of similar establishments (stores or restaurants or banks or hotels or theaters) under one ownership
- anything that acts as a restraint
- a unit of length
chain in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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A Radio Shack shop (ED. a chain of shops selling consumer electronics gear) was being looted.
William Gibson Interviewed · Giuseppe Salza · Chapter 1
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As they pressed her further with questions, she threw them the golden chain from her neck.
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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Feeble women throw him down: Margaret crushes his head with her feet, and Juliana beats him with her chain.
The Dream · Émile Zola · Chapter 1
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The young, inexperienced fly was disposed to take Piccolissima, the dictionary, and the barley sugar for a chain of mountains.
Piccolissima · Adélaïde de Montgolfier · Chapter 1
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Little Joey would often take 'Choc' to see his mother on her chain at Teddy's house while the man was put away.
The Torch and Other Tales · Eden Phillpotts · Chapter 1