English

Etymology

From Latin catena.

Pronunciation

• SAMPA : /'/
• IPA : /'ʧe:jn/

Noun

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

   He wore a gold chain around the neck.

2. a series of interconnected things.

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

   When examined, the chain of atoms included oxygen and hydrogen.

5. A unit of length equal to 22 yards.

Translations

• Dutch: ketting f (1), keten f (1, 3, 4?), aaneenrijging f (1, 4?), aaneenschakeling f (2), opeenvolging f (2)
• French: chaîne f (1, 2, 3, 4)
• German: Kette f (1, 2, 3, 4)
• Hebrew: שרשרת /sharsheret/
• Indonesian: rantai
• Interlingua: catena
• Italian: catena f (1, 3)
• Japanese: 鎖 (くさり, kusari)
• Korean: 사슬 (sasyl)
• Latin: catena
• Portuguese: cadeia f
• Russian: цепь , цепочка
• Spanish: cadena

Derived terms

• chain of command
• chain of events
• chain gang
• chain letter
• chain mail
• chain reaction
• chain rule
• chainsaw
• chain store
• food chain