Chainlet

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A fine and miniature version of a chain used primarily for adornment
2. A delicate series of small interlinked metal segments commonly utilized in jewelry design
3. A tiny linked chain mainly used as a decorative accessory

Etymology: "Chainlet" is a plain formation: the noun "chain" with the diminutive suffix "-let," which English borrowed from Old French "-elet" (itself from Latin "-ellus"-type diminutives). The same suffix gives us "booklet," "piglet," "droplet" and "streamlet," all words for a smaller version of something. Attaching "-let" to "chain" produces a small chain, and the sense is usually that of a fine or delicate chain worn as jewelry or used as an ornament. The word's structure is transparent, so there is little more to unpack beyond the suffix itself, which has been productive in English for centuries and is still used freely to coin new diminutives.

Synonyms: small chain, link