straight-chain

[ streyt-cheyn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an open chain of atoms, usually carbon, with no side chains attached to it.

straight chain

noun

1. Compare branched chain
   1. an open chain of atoms in a molecule with no attached side chains
   2. ( as modifier )

      a straight-chain hydrocarbon

straight chain

1. An arrangement of atoms of the same type that forms an unbranched open chain. Propane is a straight-chain compound with a chain of three carbon atoms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight-chain¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Now we have a new Chain, a strong and a straight Chain, that cannot be broken.

From Project Gutenberg