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
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Constant stress and the continuous release of these hormones can set off chain reactions that cause weight gain.17
The body releases cortisol during stress, which further triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 21 Nov. 2024
In a chain reaction that began Sunday, a particularly intense coronal mass ejection (CME) has sent ions, which carry a charge, streaming toward Earth from the sun, on a collision course with our own magnetosphere.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 July 2024
That simple question set off a chain reaction that led to building Forbes.com as a separate, thriving digital entity.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain reaction 
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Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Constant stress and the continuous release of these hormones can set off chain reactions that cause weight gain.17
The body releases cortisol during stress, which further triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 21 Nov. 2024
In a chain reaction that began Sunday, a particularly intense coronal mass ejection (CME) has sent ions, which carry a charge, streaming toward Earth from the sun, on a collision course with our own magnetosphere.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 July 2024
That simple question set off a chain reaction that led to building Forbes.com as a separate, thriving digital entity.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain reaction
Dictionary Entries Near chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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