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
That was the moment this tiny puppy's life changed forever, setting off a chain reaction of events that ultimately came to the attention of CUDDLY, a fundraising and wish list platform sending aid and supplies to nonprofit animal rescues and dogs like Manzanita.
—
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Salk Institute Investigating the mechanisms involved in periods of fasting, when the stomach and brain communicate to promote the secretion of a growth hormone directed at muscle cells, the researchers discovered that this chain reaction reduced BCL6 levels.
—New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2025
The Big Ten’s challenge will be staying a step ahead at a time when conference realignment — a chain reaction sparked by moves made by both the Big Ten and SEC — congressional legislation and NCAA rules changes have destabilized the structure of collegiate sports.
—Andrew Greif, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2025
In the basement, a worker mistakenly raised a few of the control rods that can reduce and, if necessary, completely shut down the chain reaction in the reactor.
—Ian Austen, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
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Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Salk Institute Investigating the mechanisms involved in periods of fasting, when the stomach and brain communicate to promote the secretion of a growth hormone directed at muscle cells, the researchers discovered that this chain reaction reduced BCL6 levels.
—New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2025
The Big Ten’s challenge will be staying a step ahead at a time when conference realignment — a chain reaction sparked by moves made by both the Big Ten and SEC — congressional legislation and NCAA rules changes have destabilized the structure of collegiate sports.
—Andrew Greif, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2025
In the basement, a worker mistakenly raised a few of the control rods that can reduce and, if necessary, completely shut down the chain reaction in the reactor.
—Ian Austen, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
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 10 Feb. 2025.
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