sequence

¹se·quence

noun \ˈsē-kwən(t)s, -ˌkwen(t)s\

Definition of SEQUENCE

1

: a hymn in irregular meter between the gradual and Gospel in masses for special occasions (as Easter)

2

: a continuous or connected series: as

a : an extended series of poems united by a single theme <a sonnet sequence>

b : three or more playing cards usually of the same suit in consecutive order of rank

c : a succession of repetitions of a melodic phrase or harmonic pattern each in a new position

d : a set of elements ordered so that they can be labeled with the positive integers

e : the exact order of bases in a nucleic acid or of amino acids in a protein

f (1) : a succession of related shots or scenes developing a single subject or phase of a film story (2) : episode

3

a : order of succession

b : an arrangement of the tenses of successive verbs in a sentence designed to express a coherent relationship especially between main and subordinate parts

4

a : consequence, result

b : a subsequent development

5

: continuity of progression <the narrative sequence>

Examples of SEQUENCE

1. He listened to the telephone messages in sequence.
2. a chase sequence in a spy movie
3. I enjoyed the movie's opening sequence.

Origin of SEQUENCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sequentia, from Late Latin, sequel, literally, act of following, from Latin sequent-, sequens, present participle of sequi

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SEQUENCE

Synonyms

aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, precipitate, product, result, resultant, sequel, effect, upshot

Antonyms

antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason

Related Words

ramification; denouement (also dénouement), echo, implication, repercussion; afterclap, afterglow, aftershock; blowback, by-product, fallout, offshoot, ripple, side effect (also side reaction), spin-off

Near Antonyms

consideration, determinant, factor; base, basis, foundation, ground, groundwork; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring

²sequence

transitive verb

se·quencedse·quenc·ing

Definition of SEQUENCE

1

: to arrange in a sequence

2

: to determine the sequence of chemical constituents (as amino-acid residues or nucleic-acid bases) in

First Known Use of SEQUENCE

1941

Rhymes with SEQUENCE

defense, expense, horse sense, incense, nonsense, past tense, sixth sense