Meaning & use
linear chain
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Meanings
nouncountable
A series of connected things, events, or people arranged in a straight line or simple sequence.
Grammar: Countable noun; plural is 'linear chains'.
Patterns
- a linear chain of something
- form a linear chain
The dominoes fell in a linear chain, each knocking over the next.
Historians described the events as a linear chain of cause and effect.
The hikers walked in a linear chain along the narrow path.
nouncountabletechnicalchemistrybiology
In chemistry and biology, a sequence of atoms or molecules linked in a single unbranched line.
Grammar: Countable noun; often used in technical contexts.
Patterns
- a linear chain of atoms
- a linear chain polymer
- a linear chain of amino acids
Polyethylene consists of long linear chains of carbon atoms.
The protein is a linear chain of amino acids folded into a specific shape.
Scientists studied how the linear chain of molecules reacted under heat.
Word forms
| plural | linear chains |
|---|
Common combinations
- a linear chain of events
- The novel presents a linear chain of events without flashbacks.
- a linear chain of atoms
- In diamond, carbon atoms form a three-dimensional network, not a linear chain.
- long linear chain
- The polymer is made of long linear chains.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sequence
- More general; 'sequence' can be any order, while 'linear chain' emphasizes a straight, unbranched line.
- series
- Similar but often used for events or items in a row; 'linear chain' is more technical and suggests physical or chemical linkage.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: linear chain or linear?
linear chain vs linear
As an adjective, 'linear' describes something in a line; 'linear chain' is a noun phrase for the actual sequence or structure.
Practice
In chemistry, a polymer made of unbranched molecules is often described as a ______.
Choose one answer.
'Linear chain' is the correct noun phrase for an unbranched sequence of molecules. 'Linearity' is a noun meaning the state of being linear, 'linearly' is an adverb, and 'lineament' means a facial feature or characteristic, none of which fit the context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “linear chain”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.