Chain
Someone's last name
Chain connects disparate things under the idea of linked elements forming a continuous line or series.
A metal chain consists of interlocking rings; figuratively, chains represent bondage or restraint.
A chain of events or chain of command describes a sequence where each element connects to the next.
Chain stores or restaurants share common ownership across locations.
The verb means to fasten or restrain with a chain, literally or figuratively: She felt chained to her desk.
A chain reaction is a series of events where each triggers the next.
Point of connection
- metalHard conductive solid
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- ironElement twenty-six
- loopCurve closing on itself
ring · connect · interlocking · shackle · anchor · tow · heavy · rust
Confined criminal detainee
- shackleMetal limb restraint
- fetterAnkle chain for prisoners
- manacleWrist restraint, usually paired
- slaveryOwnership of people
captive · bound · restrain · dungeon · liberation · oppression · break · escape
Neck-worn ornament
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
- goldElement seventy-nine
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- charmAttractive personal quality
locket · choker · Cuban · rope · herringbone · clasp · layered · delicate
Ranked authority structure
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- militaryArmed forces collectively
- ordersInstructions to obey
- superiorHigher in rank
subordinate · leadership · reporting · rank · structure · obedience · protocol · directive
Response to stimulus
- seriesOrdered set of related items
- successionFollowing in order
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- dominoRectangular game piece
progression · continuous · unbroken · causation · events · linked · consecutive · sequential
Retail establishment
- franchiseLicensed business operation
- outletPoint of release
- branchDivision or woody limb
- locationPosition in space
corporation · brand · nationwide · supermarket · restaurant · hotel · drugstore · convenience
Toothed wheel for chains
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- derailleurBike gear changer
- pedalFoot-operated lever
- crankRotary operating handle
cassette · lubricant · tension · roller · master · grease · maintenance · drivetrain
Extent of variation
- peaksHighest points attained
- AlpsEuropean mountain system
- HimalayasAsia's highest range
- RockiesNorth American mountain chain
Andes · ridge · continental · geological · formation · spine · cordillera · stretch
link
Point of connection
loop · ring · connect · interlocking · shackle · anchor · tow · heavy · rust · weld
prisoner
Confined criminal detainee
slavery · captive · bound · restrain · dungeon · liberation · oppression · break · escape · ball
necklace
Neck-worn ornament
charm · locket · choker · Cuban · rope · herringbone · clasp · layered · delicate · bling
hierarchy
Ranked authority structure
superior · subordinate · leadership · reporting · rank · structure · obedience · protocol · directive · officer
reaction
Response to stimulus
- seriesOrdered set of related items
- successionFollowing in order
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
domino · progression · continuous · unbroken · causation · events · linked · consecutive · sequential · ripple
store
Retail establishment
location · corporation · brand · nationwide · supermarket · restaurant · hotel · drugstore · convenience · expansion
sprocket
Toothed wheel for chains
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- derailleurBike gear changer
- pedalFoot-operated lever
crank · cassette · lubricant · tension · roller · master · grease · maintenance · drivetrain · cycling
range
Extent of variation
Rockies · Andes · ridge · continental · geological · formation · spine · cordillera · stretch · massif
Chainfreedom
Absence of constraint
liberty · release · emancipation · liberation · unshackled
Chainindependent
Free from external control
boutique · sole proprietorship · mom-and-pop · indie · standalone
- food chainEcological feeding hierarchy
- chain letterSelf-replicating correspondence scheme
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
- chain sawMotorized cutting tool
- key chainRing holding multiple openers
- gold chainLinked yellow metal jewelry
chains, chained, chaining, unchain, unchained, unchaining, chainless, chainlike, enchain