1. noun
A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is
flexible and curved in
compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A chain may consist of two or more links. Chains can be classified by their design, which can be dictated by their use:
Those designed for lifting, such as when used with a hoist; for pulling; or for securing, such as with a bicycle lock, have links that are torus shaped, which make the chain flexible in two dimensions (the fixed third dimension being a chain's length). Small chains serving as jewelry are a mostly decorative analog of such types.
Those designed for
transferring power in machines have links designed to mesh with
the teeth of the sprockets of
the machine and are flexible in only one dimension. They are known as roller chains, though there are also non-roller chains such as blockchain.
Two distinct chains can be connected using a quick link, carabiner, shackle, or clevis. The load can be transferred from a chain to another object by a chain stopper
2. noun
a sequence of items of the same type forming a line.
3. verb.
fasten or secure with a chain.
