serial

¹se·ri·al

adj \ˈsir-ē-əl\

Definition of SERIAL

1

: of, relating to, consisting of, or arranged in a series, rank, or row <serial order>

2

: appearing in successive parts or numbers <a serial story>

3

: belonging to a series maturing periodically rather than on a single date <serial bonds>

4

: of, relating to, or being music based on a series of tones in a chosen pattern without regard for traditional tonality

5

a : performing a series of similar acts over a period of time <a serial killer> b : occurring in or involving such a series <a serial murder>

6

: relating to or being a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted sequentially over a single wire — compare parallel

— se·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples of SERIAL

1. The pictures are numbered and arranged in serial order.
2. Scientists made serial observations over a period of two weeks.

First Known Use of SERIAL

1840

Related to SERIAL

Synonyms: episodic (also episodical), periodical, serialized

Related Words: sequential; successive; periodic, recurrent, recurring, regular

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Rhymes with SERIAL

aerial, cereal, ferial