Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A closely linked series, as of writings or geological features.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A chain; a connected series of notions, arguments, or objects generally; a series of which each part or member has a close connection, like that of a link, with the preceding and following parts.
  • noun A methodized series of selections from different authors to elucidate a doctrine or a system of doctrines; specifically, such a set of quotations from the church fathers to assist in the study of Christian dogmatics or biblical exegesis: as, the Catena Aurea of St. Thomas Aquinas.
  • noun An Italian measure of length, a chain, equal in Naples to 52.07 feet, and in Palermo to 26.09 feet.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun A chain or series of things connected with each other.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A series of related items.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a chain of connected ideas or passages or objects so arranged that each member is closely related to the preceding and following members (especially a series of patristic comments elucidating Christian dogma)

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Latin catēna, chain.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Medieval Latin, from Latin catēna ("chain") (from which also chain).

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Examples

  • An even more fitting example of the catena is offered by the catena aurea, or Golden Chain.

    Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

  • To this end he drew up, in chronological order, a kind of catena of the historical texts on which the tradition rested.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Aachen-Assize 1840-1916 1913

  • Midrash Mishle, on Proverbs; (11) Yalqut Shimeoni, a kind of catena extending over all the Hebrew Scriptures.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 10: Mass Music-Newman 1840-1916 1913

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    The Great Lady Herself! Mrs Maggie O'Rourke 40 years taking children & adults to Lourdes! Catholic Mom of 10 2009

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    Vespers Catholic Mom of 10 2009

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    Konrad's driving my mini round the Oratory car park! Catholic Mom of 10 2009

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    I watched " True Confessions " last night. Catholic Mom of 10 2009

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    Catholicmomof10militant Catholic Mom of 10 2009

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    Brigittines Iver Heath Catholic Mom of 10 2009

  • Francis Lendacky)The Latin word "catena" means "chain" and it is this prayer the only one every Legionary is obliged to recite daily) which binds together the Legionaries, who, though part of one army, are scattered all over the world labouring in a multitude of vineyards.

    The Life of Virtue - Patience Catholic Mom of 10 2009

Comments

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  • Italian - chain.

    September 23, 2008

  • In New Pagan lit's strange arena

    They work for an antique patina.

    They'll quote and they'll cite

    By wizard and rite

    To build up a mystic catena.

    September 22, 2016