: having a relatively long chain of atoms and especially carbon atoms in the molecule
long-chain hydrocarbons

Examples of long-chain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Those who were on the high-fiber intervention plan had significantly lower concentrations of long-chain PFAS compared to those who consumed a lower-fiber rice milk powder drink. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025 Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are absorbed from the small intestine intact. Health, 14 May 2025 Elapid venom contains peptides called short-chain neurotoxins (SNX) and long-chain neurotoxins (LNX). Katherine Bourzac, Scientific American, 7 May 2025 Bacterial fermentations also encourage the formation of long-chain fatty acids. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 More Missions to Come The discovery of these long-chain organic molecules is a major breakthrough in studying Mars’ habitability. Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 Unlike long-chain triglycerides, the liver absorbs MCTs and breaks them down quickly. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025 Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are absorbed intact from the small intestine. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 4 Feb. 2025 The scientists sought to identify antidote proteins to combat three representative target toxins: a short-chain alpha neurotoxin, a long-chain alpha neurotoxin, and a cytotoxin. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-chain was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Long-chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-chain. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

long-chain

adjective
: having a relatively long chain of atoms and especially carbon atoms in the molecule
long-chain hydrocarbons
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