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

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.

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

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of straight chain was in 1888

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Straight chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight%20chain. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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