Definition of "chain"
- noun
A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
A series of interconnected things.
A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.
A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.
A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.
A long measuring tape.
A unit of length equal to 22 yards. The length of a Gunter's surveying chain. The length of a cricket pitch. Equal to 20.12 metres. Equal to 4 rods. Equal to 100 links.
A totally ordered set, esp. a totally ordered subset of a poset.
A sequence of linked house purchases, each of which is dependent on the preceding and succeeding purchase (said to be "broken" if a buyer or seller pulls out).
- verb
To fasten something with a chain.
To link multiple items together.
To secure someone with fetters.
To obstruct the mouth of a river etc with a chain.
To relate data items with a chain of pointers.
To be chained to another data item.
To measure a distance using a 66-foot long chain, as in land surveying.
To load and automatically run (a program).
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