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

chain-react

ˈchān-rē-ˈakt 

intransitive verb

Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cool water drawn up from the ocean depths due to the wind shift triggers a chain reaction of weather events. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024

Yet that’s enough time to cause a debilitating chain reaction. —Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024

This process summons deep, cold waters in the central and eastern Pacific, triggering a chain reaction of weather events. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024

Viewers attempting to follow a train of thought or a set of actions find the material in the room around them setting off a chain reaction leading to all sorts of mayhem. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

chain reaction

noun

1

: a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going

2

: a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Medical Definition

chain reaction

noun

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind