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

ˈchān-rē-ˈakt 

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

And in a heartening turn of events, our endeavors have set off a chain reaction. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Punctures or thermal runaway (usually from over-charging) lead to chain reactions that create a lot of heat in lithium-ion batteries. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

That immediately sets off a chain reaction of events. —Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024

Tariffs can have a chain reaction throughout the economy, Chris Swonger, president & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, told USA TODAY. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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