A Quick and Simple Dictionary

chain

1. Noun.  A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
2. Noun.  A series of interconnected things.
3. Noun.  A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.
4. Noun.  A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.
5. Noun.  (surveying) A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.
6. Noun.  (surveying) A long measuring tape.
7. Noun.  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. Equal to 4 rods. Equal to 100 links.
8. Noun.  (British) 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).
9. Verb.  (transitive) To fasten something with a chain.
10. Verb.  (intransitive) To link multiple items together.
11. Verb.  (transitive) To secure someone with fetters.
12. Verb.  (transitive) To obstruct the mouth of a river etc with a chain.
13. Verb.  (computing) To relate data items with a chain of pointers.
14. Verb.  (computing) To be chained to another data item.
15. Verb.  (transitive) To measure a distance using a 66-foot long chain, as in land surveying.
16. Verb.  (transitive, computing) To load and automatically run (a program).