'chain-oriented' originates from the English word 'chain,' which comes from the Latin word 'catena,' meaning 'a series of connected links or rings.' The suffix '-oriented' is derived from the Latin 'orientare,' meaning 'to arrange or align.'

'chain' evolved from the Old French word 'chaine,' which was derived from the Latin 'catena.' The term 'oriented' was adapted from the Latin 'orientare,' which passed through Old French as 'orienter.'

Initially, 'chain' referred to a physical series of connected links, but over time, it evolved to include metaphorical connections in processes or systems. 'Oriented' has maintained its meaning of alignment or focus.