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Noun: chains  cheynz
  1. Metal shackles; for hands or legs
    - irons
Noun: chain  cheyn
  1. A series of things depending on each other as if linked together
    "the chain of command";
    - concatenation
     
  2. (chemistry) a series of linked atoms (generally in an organic molecule)
    - chemical chain
     
  3. A series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament
     
  4. (business) a number of similar establishments (stores, restaurants, banks, hotels or theatres) under one ownership
     
  5. Anything that acts as a restraint
     
  6. A unit of length
     
  7. A series of hills or mountains
    "the valley was between two chains of hills";
    - range, mountain range, range of mountains, mountain chain, chain of mountains
     
  8. A linked or connected series of objects
    "a chain of daisies"
     
  9. A necklace made by stringing objects together
    "a chain of beads";
    - string, strand
Verb: chain  cheyn
  1. Connect or arrange into a chain by linking
     
  2. Fasten or secure with chains
    "Chain the chairs together"

Type of: arrange, bond, building block, business, business concern, business organisation [Brit], business organization, concern, constraint, fasten, fix, formation, geological formation, hamper, ligament, linear measure, linear unit, necklace, restraint, secure, series, set up, shackle, trammel, unit

Antonym: unchain

Part of: bicycle, bike, chain printer, chain tongs, cycle, molecule

Encyclopedia: Chains

Chain, Planetary