chain
Linked metal loops
The archetypal chain—a series of sturdy interlocking metal links—is so useful that its name has come to characterize many things capable of linking items or holding them together.
Chain is the word of choice to characterize any series of connected items that can be conceived as one while each constituent maintains its own identity: a supply chain, a chain of events, a mountain chain.
Chain also characterizes businesses with multiple, functionally equivalent locations: a chain of restaurants.
When something is chained, it is connected to another thing by a literal or figurative chain.
Point of connection
- shackleMetal limb restraint
- boltThreaded rod for nuts
- hookCurved catching device
- couplingJoint between systems
cable · clip · clasp · anchor · padlock · lock · steel · iron
Metal limb restraint
- bondageInvoluntary subjugation to another
- prisonerConfined criminal detainee
- slaveryOwnership of people
- captiveOne held by force
iron · ball · manacle · fetters · bound · escape · liberation · oppression
Point of connection
- seriesOrdered set of related items
- successionFollowing in order
- progressionSequential forward movement
- connectedJoined to another
unbroken · continuous · events · causation · domino · interlocking · interdependent · consequential
Toothed wheel for chains
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- driveOperate a vehicle
- transmissionSending of information
- pulleyGrooved wheel for rope
belt · roller · timing · bicycle · motorcycle · derailleur · cog · tension
Point of connection
- meshInterlocking open weave
- wireThin metallic conductor
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- enclosureConfined, bordered space
security · perimeter · boundary · gate · cyclone · galvanized · yard · playground
Homo sapiens individual
- solidarityUnity among allies
- linkedFastened to another
- handsGripping limbs' extremities
- strengthPower to exert force
unbroken · collective · protest · demonstration · formation · line · symbolic · community
Neck-worn ornament
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
- ankletLeg-bottom ornament or sock
- chokerClose-fitting neck jewelry
locket · charm · gold · silver · platinum · bead · filigree · herringbone
Licensed business operation
- retailSales to end users
- outletPoint of release
- storefrontRetail facade facing street
- expansionIncrease in scope
branding · subsidiary · conglomerate · licensing · affiliate · distribution · merchandising · supermarket
Extent of variation
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- peakUtmost height attained
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
- AlpsEuropean mountain system
Andes · Himalayas · Rockies · Sierra · Cascades · Appalachian · cordillera · massif
Of atomic energy
- fissionNuclear breakup releasing energy
- fusionJoining into unity
- radioactivitySpontaneous nuclear decay
- neutronUncharged nuclear particle
criticality · isotope · uranium · plutonium · cascade · domino · exponential · trigger
link
Point of connection
coupling · cable · clip · clasp · anchor · padlock · lock · steel · iron · welded
shackle
Metal limb restraint
- bondageInvoluntary subjugation to another
- prisonerConfined criminal detainee
- slaveryOwnership of people
captive · iron · ball · manacle · fetters · bound · escape · liberation · oppression · confinement
link
Point of connection
- seriesOrdered set of related items
- successionFollowing in order
- progressionSequential forward movement
connected · unbroken · continuous · events · causation · domino · interlocking · interdependent · consequential · logical
sprocket
Toothed wheel for chains
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- driveOperate a vehicle
- transmissionSending of information
pulley · belt · roller · timing · bicycle · motorcycle · derailleur · cog · tension · torque
link
Point of connection
enclosure · security · perimeter · boundary · gate · cyclone · galvanized · yard · playground · industrial
human
Homo sapiens individual
- solidarityUnity among allies
- linkedFastened to another
- handsGripping limbs' extremities
strength · unbroken · collective · protest · demonstration · formation · line · symbolic · community · brotherhood
necklace
Neck-worn ornament
choker · locket · charm · gold · silver · platinum · bead · filigree · herringbone · rope
franchise
Licensed business operation
- retailSales to end users
- outletPoint of release
- storefrontRetail facade facing street
expansion · branding · subsidiary · conglomerate · licensing · affiliate · distribution · merchandising · supermarket · restaurant
range
Extent of variation
Alps · Andes · Himalayas · Rockies · Sierra · Cascades · Appalachian · cordillera · massif · volcanic
nuclear
Of atomic energy
- fissionNuclear breakup releasing energy
- fusionJoining into unity
- radioactivitySpontaneous nuclear decay
neutron · criticality · isotope · uranium · plutonium · cascade · domino · exponential · trigger · catalyst
- 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
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