Chain Chain Chalk figures in the United Kingdom [image] 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;
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); or
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.