Meaning of serial in English

Table of contents

Classifying Adjective
serial
Definitions
1. in regular succession without gaps
Examples
- « serial concerts »
Synonyms
- ordered
2. of or relating to the sequential performance of multiple operations
Examples
- « serial processing »
Synonyms
- asynchronous
Noun
serial
Definitions
1. a serialized set of programs
Examples
- « a comedy series »
- « the Masterworks concert series »
2. a periodical that appears at scheduled times
Qualitative Adjective
serial
Etymology
mid 19th century: from series+ -al, perhaps suggested by French sérial
Definitions
1. pertaining to or composed in serial technique
Examples
- « serial music »
2. pertaining to or occurring in or producing a series
Examples
- « serial monogamy »
- « serial killing »
- « a serial killer »
- « serial publication »

Famous quotes

« I'm so sick of hearing how there's no strong roles for women. I don't care about strong roles. I just want to see women who are characters! A nun, a serial killer, a housewife, as long as there's some depth there. »
Martha Plimpton
« In reality, serial killers are of average intelligence. »
Pat Brown
« I think serial monogamy says it all. »
Tracey Ullman
« What I want to do is tell stories about normal people in the American suburbs. I don't write the book where it's a conspiracy reaching the prime minister I don't write the book with the big serial killer who lops off heads. My setting is a very placid pool of suburbia, family life. And within that I can make pretty big splashes. »
Harlan Coben
« IT is mere coincidence that Cooper was born in the year which produced The Power of Sympathy and that when he died Uncle Tom's Cabin was passing through its serial stage, and yet the limits of his life mark almost exactly the first great period of American fiction. »
Carl Clinton Van Doren