chaine

noun

1. 1

   A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.

   “He wore a gold chain around the neck.”

2. 2

   A series of interconnected things.

   “This led to an unfortunate chain of events.”

3. 3

   A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.

   “That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.”

4. 4

   A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.

   “When examined, the molecular chain included oxygen and hydrogen.”

5. 5

   A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.

6. 6

   A long measuring tape.

7. 7

   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, 4 rods, or 100 links.

8. 8

   A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.

9. 9

   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).

10. 10

    That which confines, fetters, or secures; a bond.

    “the chains of habit”

11. 11

    (in the plural) Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels.

12. 12

    The warp threads of a web.