chain reaction

/'tʃeimri:'ækʃn/

Friendly

Explanation of "Chain Reaction"

Definition: A "chain reaction" is a process in which one event causes a series of similar events to happen. It can occur in various contexts, such as science, especially in nuclear physics, or in everyday situations.

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions, "chain reaction" can refer to complex systems where multiple factors influence each other. For example, in economics, a financial crisis can lead to a chain reaction affecting various markets and industries.

Word Variants:

• Chain (noun): A series of connected links or events.
• Reaction (noun): A response to an action or event.

Different Meanings:

• In a scientific context, it often refers to the specific process in nuclear fission or chemical reactions.
• In everyday language, it can refer to any series of connected events, like a chain of events leading to a conclusion.

Synonyms:

• Series
• Domino effect (informal)
• Cascade effect

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Domino effect: This refers to a situation where one event causes a chain of similar events to happen, much like dominoes falling one after another.
• Ripple effect: This describes how one action can cause effects that spread out and influence many other areas.

Example Sentences:

1. The scientist explained how a chain reaction occurs during nuclear fission.
2. When the fire alarm went off, it triggered a chain reaction of people evacuating the building.
3. The new advertising campaign caused a chain reaction, leading to increased sales and more customers.

Academic

Noun

1. a self-sustaining nuclear reaction; a series of nuclear fissions in which neutrons released by splitting one atom leads to the splitting of others
2. a series of chemical reactions in which the product of one is a reactant in the next