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Noun: chain reaction
  1. A series of chemical reactions in which the product of one is a reactant in the next
    "The chain reaction in the experiment proceeded rapidly"
     
  2. A self-sustaining nuclear reaction; a series of nuclear fissions in which neutrons released by splitting one atom leads to the splitting of others
    "The chain reaction in nuclear power plants is carefully controlled"

Derived forms: chain reactions

Type of: chemical reaction, nuclear reaction, reaction

Encyclopedia: Chain reaction