English · Nature & Environment
food chain
/ˈfuːd ˌtʃeɪn/
[/ˈfuːd ˌtʃeɪn/]
feeding sequence
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A series of living things in which each feeds on the one below it.
Example
In this food chain, grass feeds the rabbit, and the rabbit feeds the fox.
In this food chain, grass feeds the rabbit, and the rabbit feeds the fox.
Etymology
A modern compound of 'food' and 'chain'.
How & Where It’s Used
Basic ecology term; also used figuratively for hierarchies.