■ noun
1》 a connected flexible series of metal links used for fastening, pulling, etc., or in jewellery.
↘a restricting force or factor.
2》 a sequence of items of the same type forming a line.
↘a series of connected things: a ~ of events.
↘a group of hotels, shops, or restaurants owned by the same company.
↘a part of a molecule consisting of a number of atoms bonded together in a linear sequence.
3》 a jointed measuring line consisting of linked metal rods.
↘the length of this (66 ft).
4》 ( ~s ) a structure projecting horizontally from a sailing ship's sides abreast of the masts, used to widen the basis for the shrouds.
■ verb fasten, secure, or confine with a ~.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~e , chaeine , from L. catena 'a ~'.