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English Words Starting With C

13,732 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

chain lightning
nounLow
/tʃeɪn ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/A type of lightning that appears as a long, luminous, zigzagging line across the sky.
chain locker
nounC2
/ˈtʃeɪn ˌlɒk.ə/A compartment on a ship, typically in the forecastle, where the anchor chain is stowed when the anchor is raised.
chain mail
nounC1
/ˌtʃeɪn ˈmeɪl/A type of flexible armour made of interlinked metal rings.
chain measure
nounLow
/ˈtʃeɪn ˈmɛʒə/A measurement method based on linking units or values together, often literally using a chain as the measuring tool.
chain migration
nounC1
/ˌtʃeɪn maɪˈɡreɪʃn/A process of migration in which prospective migrants gain information and financial assistance from previous migrants, typically relatives or people from the same community, leading to a sequential pattern of settlement.
chain of command
nounC1
/ˌtʃeɪn əv kəˈmɑːnd/The official hierarchy of authority in an organization, through which orders are passed down from higher to lower levels.
chain pickerel
nounC1+
/ˌtʃeɪn ˈpɪk(ə)r(ə)l/A predatory freshwater fish native to eastern North America, characterized by chain-like markings on its sides.
chain plate
nounLow
/ˈtʃeɪn ˌpleɪt/A metal plate or bracket on the side of a ship or boat to which the shrouds (supporting cables) of the mast are attached.
chain printer
nounC2
/tʃeɪn ˈprɪntə/A type of impact printer where the characters are embossed on a rotating chain; the chain spins until the correct character is in position, then a hammer strikes it against the ribbon and paper.
chain pump
nounC2
/ˈtʃeɪn ˌpʌmp/A mechanical device for raising water, consisting of an endless chain fitted with discs or buckets that pass through a pipe, drawing water upward as the chain is turned.
chain reaction
nounC1
/ˌtʃeɪn riˈæk.ʃən/A sequence of events where each event is triggered by the previous one, often producing cumulative and accelerating effects.
chain rule
nounC1
/ˈtʃeɪn ˌruːl/A mathematical rule for differentiating a composite function (function of a function).
chain saw
nounB1
/ˈtʃeɪn sɔː/A portable power tool with a rotating chain of sharp teeth, used for cutting wood.
chain shot
nounVery Low
/ˈtʃeɪn ʃɒt/A type of naval ammunition used historically in cannons, consisting of two sub-calibre iron balls or half-balls linked by a chain.
chain stitch
nounverbC1
/ˈtʃeɪn stɪtʃ/A basic sewing and embroidery stitch where each new loop of thread is drawn through the previous loop to form a continuous chain-like line.
chain store
nounB1
/ˈtʃeɪn ˌstɔː(r)/A retail store that is part of a group of similar stores owned and operated by the same company.
chain wale
nounVery Low (Specialist/Obsolescent)
/ˈtʃeɪn weɪl/A strong horizontal timber or platform on the side of a sailing ship, to which the shrouds (supporting ropes for the mast) are attached.
chain wheel
nounLow (Specialized)
/ˈtʃeɪn ˌwiːl/A wheel with teeth (sprocket) that engages with a chain to transmit motion, most commonly the front wheel of a bicycle's drivetrain.
chain-link fence
nounIntermediate Frequency
/ˌtʃeɪn lɪŋk ˈfens/A type of fence made from a galvanized or coated steel wire woven into a diamond pattern and attached to metal posts, used for security, boundaries, and enclosures.
chain-react
verbverb-intransitiveC1
/ˌtʃeɪn.rɪˈækt/To cause a sequence of events where each event triggers the next, often with escalating or uncontrollable effects.

Showing 3581–3600 of 13732 words.