⛓️ A small chain 🔗 A short sequence

chainlet

8.3

A short group of atoms joined together in a molecule

noun
/ˈtʃeɪnˌlɛt/

Specialized

: cadenita

The artist created a delicate chainlet to adorn the pendant.

Examples

The chemist studied the chainlet of atoms to understand its properties.
We're not quite in keeping with the large, beautifully cut aquamarine on a silver chainlet which jammed her throat.
I noticed a few tiny links in the chainlet that connected the two charms.

Synonyms

chain

vschainlet

Specialized

21 7.1

A line of atoms joined together in a molecule

is a much shorter segment of linked atoms rather than a long series

How Long

cable

Specialized

282 2.4

chain

184 1.0

chainlet

Specialized

8.3

link

137 1.0

Surface Forms

chainlet singular

chainlets plural

Morphology

chainlet = chain (transparent) = chain + let

The diminutive suffix '-let' clearly yields 'small chain' from the noun 'chain', a straightforward morphological formation.

Etymology

Chainlet is simply chain + -let, where -let means 'small', just like in ringlet. So a chainlet is literally a 'small chain', whether that is a tiny metal chain or a short linked part inside a molecule.