lanac

Lanac is a noun in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian that denotes a chain—an object consisting of linked metal or other elements connected to form a flexible line. Beyond the literal meaning, lanac is widely used in figurative expressions to describe sequences or connections, such as lanac događaja (chain of events) and lanac opskrbe (supply chain). In everyday language, it can describe jewelry chains, industrial chains, and other linked structures, as well as abstract sequences of cause and effect.

Etymology: The term is native to the South Slavic languages and has cognates in related languages within the same linguistic area. It is distinct from, but related to, terms like veriga that may be used in some contexts to describe linked structures; usage varies regionally.

Usage notes: When referring to a physical chain worn around the body, lanac typically describes a chain or necklace when used in combination with body parts, e.g., lanac oko vrata. For metaphorical chains, common collocations include lanac događaja and lanac opskrbe, among others.

Geography and onomastics: Lanac also appears as a proper noun in some Slavic-speaking regions, used as a place name or surname in limited contexts. These uses are comparatively rare and vary by country.