The word "链子" is formed through a common Chinese morphological process where the core morpheme "链" (liàn), meaning "chain" (both as a noun and a verb), is combined with the nominal suffix "子" (zi). The suffix "子" serves a grammatical function, often transforming a root into a concrete, everyday noun. In this case, it takes the abstract or technical concept of "链" and creates the more colloquial noun "链子," which specifically refers to a physical chain object (like a necklace, bicycle chain, or shackle), adding a sense of tangibility or familiarity to the term.