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Chain - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Andes, Caucasus, Himalayas, Rockies, Additive, Anchor, Anklet, Armory, Array, Arrest, Articulation, Assemble |
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A chain can be any of the following:
- a flexible connection through multiple rigid links; applications include:
- pulling (it can not be used for pushing)
- keeping together to avoid falling apart, drifting away, theft, fleeing (of a prisoner)
- jewellery
- a mathematical term used in algebraic topology;
- a totally ordered subset of a partially ordered set, used in set theory;
- a measure of length, the chain equals to 22 yards, used in surveying, also called the surveyor's or Gunter's chain;
- a measuring instrument used in engineering, also called the engineer's or Ramsden's chain (and rarely, its length of 100 ft as a unit of measurement, though the results of the measurements are normally expressed in feet); or
- a franchise of stores or restaurants or hotels.
See also Chain of command.
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