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A chain can be any of the following:

• a flexible connection through multiple rigid links; applications include:
  • pulling (it cannot be used for pushing)
    • power transmission, as in roller chains (e.g., bicycle chains)
    • conveyance systems, similar to a conveyor belt, as in flat chains and pintle chains
  • hanging, for instance in a steelyard balance or as the main cable in earlier suspension bridges (in modern bridges wire cables are used)
  • keeping together to avoid falling apart, drifting away, theft (as in a bicycle chain), fleeing (of a prisoner)
  • jewelery
• In mathematics
  • a chain in algebraic topology is formal linear combination of k-simplices.
  • a chain in order theory is totally ordered subset of a partially ordered set.
• In chemistry
  • a sequence of atoms linked by chemical bonds, as in an hydrocarbon chain
  • a sequence of monomers linked by chemical bonds to form a polymer
  • the ideal chain mathematical model of polymer folding
• a measure of length used in surveying and equal to 22 yards (also called the surveyor's or Gunter's chain)
• a measuring instrument used in engineering, also called the engineer's or Ramsden's chain (and rarely, its length of 100 ft as a unit of measurement, though the results of the measurements are normally expressed in feet)
• a chain of stores, restaurant chain, hotel chain, or other franchised retail establishment
• a type of armor made of interlocking chain links, better known as chainmail
• the part of a sailing ship where the shrouds supporting the masts attach to the hull
• a chain of command
• Chains, a song performed by the Beatles

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