a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
"the chain of command"
"a complicated concatenation of circumstances"
(chemistry) a series of linked atoms (generally in an organic molecule)
"The chemical structure consists of a carbon chain bonded to several functional groups."
a series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament
"The old bicycle had rusted through, snapping its chain and leaving me stranded on the sidewalk."
(business) a number of similar establishments (stores or restaurants or banks or hotels or theaters) under one ownership
"After visiting three locations in different cities, I realized that all those cafes were part of the same chain."
anything that acts as a restraint
"The heavy metal chain around his ankles made it impossible for him to walk freely through the market."
a unit of length
"The jeweler measured the antique necklace and found it to be exactly fourteen inches long, which is less than half a chain."
British biochemist (born in Germany) who isolated and purified penicillin, which had been discovered in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming (1906-1979)
"The Nobel Prize was awarded to the German-born British biochemist who successfully isolated and purified penicillin."
a series of hills or mountains
"the valley was between two ranges of hills"
"the plains lay just beyond the mountain range"
A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
"The old padlock had snapped, leaving a heavy iron chain dangling uselessly from the gate hinge."
In plain English: A chain is a series of connected metal rings that move together as one unit.
"The heavy metal chain was used to secure the gate."
Usage: Use "chain" to describe a connected series of metal rings used for securing objects, holding things together, or serving as jewelry. Do not confuse it with unrelated terms like "chein" or misspellings when referring to this physical object.
connect or arrange into a chain by linking
"The workers carefully linked each metal ring together to form a sturdy chain for the new fence."
To fasten something with a chain.
"The guard walked up to the suspect and quickly chained his hands behind his back before escorting him into the holding cell."
In plain English: To chain something means to attach it securely so that it cannot move freely.
"We need to chain the dogs outside while we go for lunch."
Usage: Use "chain" to mean physically securing an object or person with a metal link, such as when a dog is tied up or a suspect is handcuffed. Do not use it for the general act of linking things together in a sequence, which should instead be described as linking or connecting.
A surname.
"The judge ruled that Mr. Chain's alibi was credible despite his lack of an alibi witness."
The word "chain" comes from the Latin catēna, meaning "chain," which entered English via Old French. It replaced an earlier native English term for a chain, derived from a root related to braiding or twisting.