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
Then the Pavia ruling changed everything, setting off the chain reaction that led Aguilar from Boone to Los Angeles, then back east to Knoxville.
—
Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The conference will take place near the campus location where Fermi oversaw the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in the run-up to that fateful July 16 bomb test.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Uranium enrichment involves removing uranium-238 and increasing the proportion of uranium-235, which supports the fission chain reaction needed for nuclear power and weapons.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Cole is Brad Vinick, a successful businessman whose sizable donation to his alma mater starts a chain reaction that leads to Charles getting hired.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The conference will take place near the campus location where Fermi oversaw the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in the run-up to that fateful July 16 bomb test.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Uranium enrichment involves removing uranium-238 and increasing the proportion of uranium-235, which supports the fission chain reaction needed for nuclear power and weapons.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Cole is Brad Vinick, a successful businessman whose sizable donation to his alma mater starts a chain reaction that leads to Charles getting hired.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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