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| chain [ chayn ] |
noun (plural chains) |
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| Definition: |
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1. series of joined metal rings: a flexible interconnected series of usually metal links that may be used to support, restrain, drive or move something or that may serve as an ornament or decoration
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2. series of links used as accessory: a series of rings, links, or disks used as a necklace, bracelet, or other piece of jewelry
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3. commerce businesses under one management or ownership: a number of stores, hotels, restaurants, or other businesses that are owned by the same company and offer similar goods or services but are found in different locations
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4. geography series of geographic formations: a series of associated geographic features or formations such as mountains, lakes, or islands
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5. something resembling chain: a series of things or people linked or joined together for some purpose
  They stood hand in hand to form a human chain round the perimeter.
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6. sequence of related events or facts: a sequence of facts or events that happen one after the other and are connected in some way
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7. physics series of atoms: a series of atoms, usually of a single element such as carbon, that are joined in a line or ring within a molecule
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8. badge of office: a chain worn around the neck as a badge of office
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9. measurements unit of length equal to 66 ft.: a unit of length that is now rarely used, equal to (66 ft).20 m ().
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plural noun chains |
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| Definition: |
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restraining circumstances: feelings or circumstances that restrain or confine somebody
(
literary
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transitive verb (past and past participle chained, present participle chain·ing, 3rd person present singular chains) |
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| Definition: |
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1. fasten something or somebody with chain: to fasten, tie, or restrain something or somebody with a chain or chains
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2. restrict somebody's mobility: to restrict or confine somebody's freedom of movement or action
She was chained to the computer all day.
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| [13th century. Via Old French chaeine< Latin catena] |
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| chained adjective |
| chain·less adjective |
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yank somebody's chain to say something that is untrue in order to tease or annoy somebody (informal)
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