Chain

A chain can be any of the following:

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• 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.