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straight chain
noun
: an open chain of atoms having no side chains
—usually hyphenated when used attributively
Examples of straight chain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While beer also contains surfactant-like molecules, the bubbles can rise in straight chains or not depending on the type of beer.
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'straight chain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near straight chain
Cite this Entry
“Straight chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight%20chain. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Medical Definition
straight chain
noun
: an open chain of atoms having no side chains
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