branch (side chain, pendant chain)

in polymers
Also contains definitions of: long-chain branch, short-chain branch
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.B00720
An oligomeric or polymeric offshoot from a macromolecular chain.
Notes:
  1. An @O04286@ branch may be termed a short-chain branch.
  2. A @M03667-1@ branch may be termed a long-chain branch.
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2287. 'Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2297 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122287)