Catenation

/ˌkætəˈneɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The act or process of linking things together in a chain, or the result of things being linked.

Etymology

From Latin 'catena' (chain) plus the suffix '-ation' (which denotes a process or result), forming a noun in scientific terminology.

Kelly Says

Catenation is why carbon is so special—it's the only element that can form long chains with itself, which is the entire basis of organic chemistry and all life on Earth!

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