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   Chain

   /CHān/

   

   noun

   • 1. a connected flexible series of metal links used for fastening or securing objects and pulling or supporting loads: "he slid the bolts on the front door and put the safety chain across" Similar fettersshacklesbondsironsleg ironsmanacleshandcuffsinformal:cuffsbraceletsarchaic:trammelsgyvesdarbiesbilboes
   • ▪ a series of decorative metal links worn as a decoration; a necklace: "a tall man with a heavy gold chain around his neck"
   • ▪ short for snow chains
   • ▪ a force or factor that binds or restricts someone: "the chains of illness"
   • 2. a sequence of items of the same type forming a line: "he kept the chain of buckets supplied with water" Similar seriessuccessionstringsequencetraintrailrunpatternprogressioncoursesetlinerowconcatenation
   • ▪ a sequence or series of connected elements: "a chain of events"
   • ▪ a range of mountains: "a chain of volcanic ridges"
   • ▪ a group of establishments, such as hotels, stores, or restaurants, owned by the same company: "a chain restaurant" Similar groupmultiple shop/storemultiplefirmcompany
   • ▪ a part of a molecule consisting of a number of atoms (typically carbon) bonded together in a linear sequence.
   • ▪ a figure in a quadrille or similar dance, in which dancers meet and pass each other in a continuous sequence.
   • 3. a jointed measuring line consisting of linked metal rods.
   • ▪ a measure of length equivalent to a chain (66 ft.).
   • ▪ a measuring chain of ten yards, used in the determination of first downs.
   • 4. a structure of planks projecting horizontally from a sailing ship's sides abreast of the masts, used to widen the basis for the shrouds.

   verb

   • 1. fasten or secure with a chain: "she chained her bicycle to the railing"
   • ▪ confine with a chain: "he had been chained up"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French chaine, chaeine, from Latin catena ‘a chain’.

   Scrabble Points: 10

   • C

     3

   • H

     4

   • A

     1

   • I

     1

   • N

     1

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