Serial

Pronunciation

• IPA: /sɪəɹiːəɫ/
• Homophones: cereal

Origin

1840,

Merriam Webster Online

Online Etymology Dictionary

in reference to the books of Charles Dickens (published in sequential parts, as a series). Formed as series + -al, on model of Latin seriālis, from seriēs + -ālis.

Cognate to Italian seriale.

Full definition of serial

Adjective

1. Having to do with or arranged in a series.The serial killer had a string of victims across seven states.He was a serial entrepreneur, always coming up with a new way to make cash.
2. Published or produced in installments.

Synonyms

• (arranged in a series) sequential

Derived terms

• serially
• serial comma
• serial killer
• serial music
• serialize

Noun

1. A work, as a work of fiction, published in installments, often numbered and without a specified end.
2. (computing, slang) A serial number required to activate software.Go to these sites for serials, cracks and keygens.

Related terms

• seriate
• seriatim
• seriation
• series

Anagrams

• ariels, Israel, realis, resail, sailer