enchaînement

Enchaînement is a French noun meaning the act or result of chaining, linking, or arranging things in a sequence. It derives from enchaîner, to chain, which itself comes from chaîne, chain. The term is widely used in various fields to describe a connected succession rather than a single element.

In linguistics and phonetics, enchaînement refers to the linking of sounds across word boundaries in fluent speech. This broad concept includes phenomena such as liaison or other adjustments that allow speech to flow smoothly from one word to the next. The realization of enchaînement varies by language, dialect, formality, and context; some instances are obligatory, others optional or discouraged.

In the performing arts, enchaînement denotes a continuous sequence of movements or steps that flow into one another. In dance, it can refer to a choreographed chain of figures or phrases; in martial arts or fencing, it describes a rapid succession of techniques performed as a single combination.

In music and rhythm, the term can describe a linked sequence of phrases, motifs, or chords that create a seamless musical idea. More generally, enchaînement is used to characterize any orderly progression where elements follow each other in a connected, often fluid, chain, whether in choreography, speech, sport, or narrative structure.