1 [C,U] a line of metal rings that are joined together 链子；链条: a bicycle chain 自行车链条She was wearing a silver chain round her neck. 她脖子上戴着银项链。a length of chain 一段链子 ☞pictures at bicycle, jewellery, key and padlock 见bicycle、jewellery、key及padlock插图

2 [C] a series of connected things or people 一系列，一连串（相关的人或物）: a chain of mountains/a mountain chain 一条山脉The book examines the complex chain of events that led to the Russian Revolution. 这本书对引发俄国革命的一系列错综复杂的事件进行了分析。The Managing Director is at the top of the chain of command. 董事是行政管理系统之首。

3 [C] a group of shops, hotels, etc that are owned by the same company 连锁店，联号（由同一家公司所拥有的一组商店、酒店等）: a chain of supermarkets 超级市场连锁店a fast-food chain 连锁快餐店