daisychain

Daisy chain is a term used to describe a chain-like sequence of items linked end to end. The phrase originates from the habit of threading small daisies into a simple floral chain. In technical and everyday language, daisy chaining describes connecting multiple components so that each one passes its signal, power, or data to the next in a linear series rather than in a branching network.

In electrical contexts, daisy chaining often refers to linking devices in series from one outlet or circuit to another, such as multiple lights or lighting fixtures connected along a single run. While this can reduce cable clutter, it also raises safety concerns: there are practical limits on total electrical load, risk of overheating, and potential failure if one device or connection breaks. Many electrical codes discourage or regulate long or unprotected daisy chains of extensions or power strips.

In information technology and communications, daisy chain describes a topology in which each node connects to exactly two neighbors in a line, forming a chain. This simple layout can be used for serial bus systems or small networks, and it is common in some legacy technologies. Its drawbacks include vulnerability to a single point of failure and reduced bandwidth per device as the chain grows.

In modern display and peripheral technology, daisy chaining refers to connecting multiple displays or devices in series from a single port, such as via DisplayPort MST or certain Thunderbolt implementations. This enables several monitors to be driven by one output, though compatibility, bandwidth, and number of supported devices vary by standard and device.

Other uses include the literal floral chain made by linking flowers into a continuous strand. As a verb, to daisy-chain means to connect items or people in a chain-like sequence.