a series of atoms united in a straight line; components of this series are related to methane. See illustration at chain.
[n] - a chain of atoms in a molecule whose ends are not joined to form a ring
noun a chain of atoms in a molecule whose ends are not joined to form a ring adjective chemistry; not cyclic; having an open chain structure
a series of atoms linked in a chain not joined together at its ends, and so represented in its structural formula. Cf.