Chaîne (en. Chain)

/ʃɛn/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A set of interlinked links or rings, usually made of metal.
He tied the boat to the dock with a chain.
Il a attaché le bateau à la quai avec une chaîne.
A series of related events or consequences.
A chain reaction was triggered.
Une chaîne de réactions chimiques a été déclenchée.
Connection between several elements in a society with each other.
The distribution chain ensures the supply of stores.
La chaîne de distribution assure l'approvisionnement des magasins.

Etymology

From the Latin 'catena', meaning 'chain'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

mountain range
A group of connected mountains.
chaîne de montagnes
supply chain
A network of people, activities, and organizations involved in production and distribution.
chaîne d'approvisionnement
chain of restaurants
A group of restaurants from the same company.
chaîne de restaurants

Related Words

chaining
Process of linking or securing an object with a chain.
chaînage
food chain
Relationships between organisms in an ecosystem, showing who eats whom.
chaîne alimentaire

Slang Meanings

A stroke of luck or a beneficial series of events.
I've had a real chain lately, everything has gone well.
J'ai eu une vraie chaîne ces derniers temps, tout s'est bien passé.
A constant connection with a person or group.
We're always in touch, we talk every day.
On est toujours en chaîne, on se parle tous les jours.