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straight chain
noun
: an open chain of atoms having no side chains
—usually hyphenated when used attributively
Examples of straight chain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While beer also contains surfactant-like molecules, the bubbles can rise in straight chains or not depending on the type of beer.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 May 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1888, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near straight chain
Cite this Entry
“Straight chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight%20chain. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
straight chain
noun
: an open chain of atoms having no side chains
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