Chin vs. Chain: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
Chin refers to the part of the face below the mouth, while Chain is a series of linked metal rings used for fastening or pulling things.
Key Differences
Chin is a noun that primarily refers to the lower part of a human's face, below the mouth and above the neck. Chain is also a noun but it describes a series of linked metal rings, often used for securing objects. While "chin" is anatomical, "chain" is an object that is often used in various mechanical and practical applications.
In everyday language, you might hear "chin" used in phrases like "keep your chin up," which means to remain cheerful in a difficult situation. Chain, conversely, is commonly heard in contexts like "supply chain," "chain reaction," or "chain of command," which have nothing to do with human anatomy but involve a sequence or system of interconnected elements.
The word "chin" is singular and does not have a plural form in the context of anatomy. Chain can be both singular and plural, depending on the context. You could refer to "a chain" or "multiple chains," whereas you would not typically talk about "chins" unless discussing multiple people or animals.
In literature and poetry, the "chin" might be used symbolically to represent age or character, such as a "chin with a cleft." "Chain" could symbolize bondage, connection, or interdependence, as in "the chains of love" or "the chains of oppression."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
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Context
Anatomical
Mechanical or Systematic
Plurality
Generally singular
Can be both singular and plural
Symbolic Meaning
Can represent age or character
Can symbolize bondage or connection
Common Phrases
"Keep your chin up"
"Chain reaction, chain of command"
Chin and Chain Definitions
Chin
The part of the face below the mouth.
She rested her hand on her chin while thinking.
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Chain
A measurement unit in surveying.
The property extended for 10 chains.
Chin
The protruding part of the lower jaw.
He has a strong, square chin.
Chain
A retail franchise operation.
She works for a chain of supermarkets.
Chin
Used symbolically in literature.
The cleft in his chin symbolized his rugged charm.
Chain
A connected, flexible series of links, typically of metal, used especially for holding objects together, for restraining, or for transmitting mechanical power.
Chin
Anatomical landmark for identification.
Her chin was marked by a small scar.
Chain
Such a set of links, often of precious metal and with pendants attached, worn as an ornament or symbol of office.
Chin
A term used in idiomatic expressions.
He kept his chin up during difficult times.
Chain
Often chains(Football) Such a set of links measuring ten yards and attached to a pole at each end, moved up and down the field to indicate necessary yardage for gaining a first down.
Chin
The central forward portion of the lower jaw.
Chain
A restraining or confining agent or force.
Chin
To pull (oneself) up with the arms while grasping an overhead horizontal bar until the chin is level with or above the bar.
Chain
Bonds, fetters, or shackles.
Chin
(Music) To place (a violin) under the chin in preparation to play it.
Chain
Captivity or oppression; bondage
Threw off the chains of slavery.
Chin
To chin oneself.
Chain
A series of closely linked or connected things
A chain of coincidences.
Chin
(Informal) To make idle conversation; chatter.
Chain
A number of establishments, such as stores, theaters, or hotels, under common ownership or management.
Chin
The bottom of a face, the typically jutting jawline below the mouth.
Chain
A range of mountains.
Chin
Talk.
Chain
(Chemistry) A series of chemically bonded atoms, especially carbon atoms, which may be arranged in an open, branched, or cyclic structure.
Chin
A lie, a falsehood.
Chain
An instrument used in surveying, consisting of 100 linked pieces of iron or steel and measuring 66 feet (20.1 meters). Also called Gunter's chain.
Chin
A person of the upper class.
Chain
A similar instrument used in engineering, measuring 100 feet (30.5 meters).
Chin
The ability to withstand being punched in the chin without being knocked out.
Chain
Abbr. ch A unit of measurement equal to the length of either of these instruments.
Chin
(aviation) The lower part of the front of an aircraft, below the nose.
Chain
To bind or make fast with a chain or chains
Chained the dog to a tree.
Chin
The bottom part of a mobile phone, below the screen.
Chain
To restrain or confine as if with chains
Workers who were chained to a life of dull routine.
Chin
(informal) A chinchilla.
Chain
A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal.
He wore a gold chain around the neck.
The anchor is connected to the boat with a 100-metre long chain.
Chin
To talk.
Chain
A series of interconnected things.
A chain of mountains
A chain of ideas, one leading to the next
This led to an unfortunate chain of events.
Chin
To talk to or with (someone).
Chain
A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name.
That chain of restaurants is expanding into our town.
Chin
To perform a chin-up exercise in which one lifts one's own weight while hanging from a bar.
Chain
(chemistry) A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule.
When examined, the molecular chain included oxygen and hydrogen.
Chin
To punch or hit (someone)'s chin part of the body.
Chain
(surveying) A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device.
Chin
(transitive) To put or hold (a musical instrument) up to one's chin.
Chain
(surveying) A long measuring tape.
Chin
(transitive) To turn on or operate (a device) using one's chin; to select (a particular setting) using one's chin.
Chain
A unit of length equal to 22 yards. The length of a Gunter's surveying chain. The length of a cricket pitch. Equal to 20.12 metres, 4 rods, or 100 links.
Chin
(transitive) To put one's chin on (something).
Chain
A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset.
Chin
(transitive) To indicate or point toward (someone or something) with one's chin.
Chain
(British) A sequence of linked house purchases, each of which is dependent on the preceding and succeeding purchase (said to be "broken" if a buyer or seller pulls out).
Chin
The lower extremity of the face below the mouth; the point of the under jaw.
Chain
That which confines, fetters, or secures; a bond.
The chains of habit
Chin
The exterior or under surface embraced between the branches of the lower jaw bone, in birds.
Chain
Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels.
Chin
The protruding part of the lower jaw
Chain
A livery collar, a chain of office.
Chin
Kamarupan languages spoken in western Burma and Bangladesh and easternmost India
Chain
(weaving) The warp threads of a web.
Chin
In gymnastics: raise oneself while hanging from one's hands until one's chin is level with the support bar
Chain
(transitive) To fasten something with a chain.
You should chain your bicycle to the railings to protect it from being stolen.
Chain
(figurative) To connect as if with a chain, due to dependence, addiction, or other feelings
Sometimes I feel like I'm chained to this computer.
She's been chained to her principles since she was 18, it's unlikely you can convince her otherwise.
Chain
(intransitive) To link multiple items together.
Chain
(transitive) To secure someone with fetters.
Chain
(transitive) To obstruct the mouth of a river etc with a chain.
Chain
(figurative) To obligate.
Chain
(computing) To relate data items with a chain of pointers.
Chain
(computing) To be chained to another data item.
Chain
(transitive) To measure a distance using a 66-foot long chain, as in land surveying.
Chain
To load and automatically run (a program).
Chain
A series of links or rings, usually of metal, connected, or fitted into one another, used for various purposes, as of support, of restraint, of ornament, of the exertion and transmission of mechanical power, etc.
[They] put a chain of gold about his neck.
Chain
That which confines, fetters, or secures, as a chain; a bond; as, the chains of habit.
Driven downTo chains of darkness and the undying worm.
Chain
A series of things linked together; or a series of things connected and following each other in succession; as, a chain of mountains; a chain of events or ideas.
Chain
An instrument which consists of links and is used in measuring land.
Chain
Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels.
Chain
The warp threads of a web.
Chain
To fasten, bind, or connect with a chain; to fasten or bind securely, as with a chain; as, to chain a bulldog.
Chained behind the hostile car.
Chain
To keep in slavery; to enslave.
And which more blest? who chained his country, sayOr he whose virtue sighed to lose a day?
Chain
To unite closely and strongly.
And in this vow do chain my soul to thine.
Chain
To measure with the chain.
Chain
To protect by drawing a chain across, as a harbor.
Chain
A series of things depending on each other as if linked together;
The chain of command
A complicated concatenation of circumstances
Chain
(chemistry) a series of linked atoms (generally in an organic molecule)
Chain
A series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament
Chain
A number of similar establishments (stores or restaurants or banks or hotels or theaters) under one ownership
Chain
Anything that acts as a restraint
Chain
A unit of length
Chain
British biochemist (born in Germany) who isolated and purified penicillin, which had been discovered in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming (1906-1979)
Chain
A series of hills or mountains;
The valley was between two ranges of hills
The plains lay just beyond the mountain range
Chain
Metal shackles; for hands or legs
Chain
A necklace made by a stringing objects together;
A string of beads
A strand of pearls
Chain
Connect or arrange into a chain by linking
Chain
Fasten or secure with chains;
Chain the chairs together
Chain
A series of connected metal rings.
He locked the bike with a chain.
Chain
A system of interconnected elements.
The supply chain was disrupted.
Chain
Used symbolically to represent connection or bondage.
The chain of command was strictly followed.
FAQs
What does chain mean?
Chain refers to a series of linked metal rings used for various purposes.
Can chain be plural?
Yes, it can be both singular and plural.
Can chin be plural?
Generally, no, unless discussing multiple people or animals.
What does chin mean?
Chin refers to the lower part of the face, below the mouth.
How are chin and chain used symbolically?
Chin can symbolize age or character, while chain can symbolize connection or bondage.
Are chin and chain related?
No, chin is anatomical, while chain is an object or concept used in different contexts.
Is chain used in surveying?
Yes, as a unit of measurement.
Is chin ever used in literature?
Yes, often to describe a character's appearance or as a symbol.
What are common phrases involving chin?
"Keep your chin up" is a common phrase.
Is chain used in idioms or phrases?
Yes, like "chain reaction" or "chain of command."
Is chin used in idioms?
Yes, for example, "keep your chin up" means to stay positive.
Can chin be used as a verb?
In specific contexts like exercise, yes. For example, "to chin oneself" means to pull oneself up to a bar.
Can chain be used as a verb?
Yes, such as "to chain something up."
What are common phrases involving chain?
"Chain reaction" and "chain of command" are common.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
