maillon

link (in a chain)

noun mah-YOHN Rare

Also means

chain link, element in a sequence

Usage Note

Maillon is a diminutive of maille (mesh, link). It is used literally for a link in a metal chain and figuratively for any element in a sequence — le maillon faible (the weak link) is a very common expression, including as a French TV game show title. Maillon differs from chaîne (the whole chain) — it is always the individual unit.

Examples

"Le maillon faible de la chaîne a cédé."

Natural Translation

The weak link in the chain gave way.

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