chain reaction

noun

1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
chain-react intransitive verb

Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Black bag, my dear — her work trip sets off a chain reaction in which George’s strength, i.e., faith in their relationship, becomes his weakness. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025 To get the monomers to link together, a lone electron – or free radical – initiates a bond with a monomer, triggering a chain reaction. Aaron Priester, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 2025 The bioweapon causes a chain reaction, demolishing planets and wiping out an entire quadrant in space. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 Ventura County firefighters were dispatched at 9:30 a.m. and determined the battery of the Volvo XC90 was in a state of thermal runaway, a chemical chain reaction that causes the temperature to rise uncontrollably, said fire engineer Andrew Dowd. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chain reaction

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain reaction was in 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

chain reaction

noun
1
: a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going
2
: a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Medical Definition

chain reaction

noun
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

More from Merriam-Webster on chain reaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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