Chainless

/ˈtʃeɪnləs/ adjective

Definition

Without a chain, or designed to work without requiring a chain mechanism.

Etymology

From English 'chain' + the suffix '-less' (meaning without), a straightforward Germanic compound that dates to Victorian industrial innovation.

Kelly Says

Early 'chainless' bicycles in the 1890s were attempts to make bikes cleaner and more elegant, but chains won because they were just too efficient—a victory of practical engineering over design dreams.

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