chain
A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
Noun 4 meanings
A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
“He wore a gold chain around the neck.”
A series of interconnected things.
“a chain of mountains”
A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.
A formal sum of cells in a CW complex of a certain dimension k (in which case the formal sums are called k-chains); a formal sum of simplices or cubes of a certain dimension in a simplical complex or cubical complex (respectively).
Verb 4 meanings
To fasten something with a chain.
“You should chain your bicycle to the railings to protect it from being stolen.”
To connect as if with a chain, due to dependence, addiction, or other feelings
“Sometimes I feel like I'm chained to this computer.”
To link multiple items together.
To secure someone with fetters.
Etymology
From Middle English cheyne, chaine, from Old French chaeine, chaene (“chain”), from Latin catēna (“chain”), from Proto-Indo-European *kat- (“to braid, twist; hut, shed”). Doublet of catena. Displaced native Middle English rakil and rakent (from Old English racente (“chain”)); see rackan.
Similar and opposite words
CHAIN at a glance
CHAIN has 5 letters and scores 10 points in Scrabble (C 3 + H 4 + A 1 + I 1 + N 1) and 11 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #2,189 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with chain
All rhymesOne letter away
- CHAIR10
- CHAIS10
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.