chain reaction

/ˌˈtʃeɪn riˌækʃən/

/tʃeɪn riˈækʃɪn/

Other forms: chain reactions

Definitions of chain reaction

1. noun

   a series of chemical reactions in which the product of one is a reactant in the next
   type of:

   chemical reaction, reaction

   (chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others
2. noun

   a self-sustaining nuclear reaction; a series of nuclear fissions in which neutrons released by splitting one atom leads to the splitting of others
   type of:

   nuclear reaction

   (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei