Definition

1. Verb:
   • To connect devices on a part of a chip or circuit board in a computer: The action of linking multiple electronic devices (like peripherals, controllers, or memory modules) in a series, where the output of one connects to the input of the next, often to share a single communication line or bus.

Usage

• The primary use of "daisy-chain" is in electronics and computing. It describes a specific method of serial connection.
• It is often used in technical manuals, setup guides, and IT discussions.
• Grammatical Note: It is a transitive verb (e.g., to daisy-chain devices) and can also be used as a noun (e.g., a daisy-chain configuration), though the core definition provided is verbal.

Examples

• Verb:
  • You can daisy-chain up to five external hard drives to this single port.
  • The technician daisy-chained the sensors along the data cable.
  • For this setup, we need to daisy-chain the controllers in sequence.

Advanced Usage

• As a Noun ("a daisy chain"): Refers to the resulting series connection itself.
  • The network uses a daisy chain of hubs, which can be a single point of failure.
• Figurative Use: Informally used to describe connecting any series of events, people, or items in a sequence.
  • The protests daisy-chained across the country, one inspiring the next. (Note: This is an extended, metaphorical use beyond the core technical definition.)

Variants and Related Words

• Daisy-chained (adjective): Describing devices connected in this manner.
  • The daisy-chained speakers provided sound throughout the hall.
• Daisy chaining (gerund/noun): The process or concept of making such connections.
  • Daisy chaining is a simple way to expand your USB ports.

Synonyms

• Cascade (verb): To connect in a series, especially for audio or video signals.
• Link in series (verb phrase): A more general technical description.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Chain together: A less technical synonym meaning to connect in a sequence.
  • We chained together several extension cords. (This is conceptually similar but not specific to electronics.)

Related Idioms

Verb

1. connect devices on a part of a chip or circuit board in a computer