chain reaction

• Réaction ou suite d'événements dans laquelle chaque étape déclenche la suivante, souvent utilisée en physique, en chimie ou au sens figuré pour décrire une succession de conséquences en cascade.

A series of events in which each event is caused by the previous one, often used in physics, chemistry, or figuratively to describe a sequence of consequences.

1. Scientific processB2formal

   A series of events where each event causes the next one, often used in chemistry and physics.

   réaction en chaîne

   • The nuclear reactor uses a controlled chain reaction to generate energy.
   • A small spark can trigger a chain reaction in a flammable environment.
   • The experiment demonstrated a chemical chain reaction.

2. Sequence of eventsB1informal

   A situation where one event causes a series of similar events to happen.

   réaction en chaîne

   • The bank failure caused a chain reaction of economic problems.
   • His resignation set off a chain reaction of departures in the company.
   • One small mistake can lead to a chain reaction of errors.