ENGLISH
REFERENCE

serial

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈsɪˌɹiəɫ// UK //sˈiəɹɪəl// se·ri·al
  1. 1 sequential (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    happening in a specific order or series.

    arranged in or consisting of a series; following a chronological or logical sequence.

    Example

    The computer processes the data in serial order, one piece after another.

    Example

    The processor handles instructions in a serial fashion, ensuring that each task is completed before the subsequent operation begins.

    Usage

    Often used in technical or academic contexts to contrast with 'parallel'.
  2. 2 habitual or repeating (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    doing the same thing many times, often used for crimes or bad habits.

    performing a specified action or course of action repeatedly or regularly over a period of time.

    Example

    The police finally caught the serial thief who had been robbing houses for months.

    Example

    Psychologists studied the serial offender to understand the behavioral patterns that led to such frequent recidivism.
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  1. 3 in installments (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    published or shown in several parts over a period of time.

    published, broadcast, or produced in successive installments.

    Example

    The magazine is publishing a serial story that continues every month.

    Example

    The author gained fame through the serial publication of his novels in Victorian literary journals.
  2. 4 a story in parts (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a story, radio show, or TV programme that is told in many separate parts.

    a literary or dramatic work published or broadcast in regular installments.

    Example

    I missed the last part of the serial, so I don't know how the story ended.

    Example

    The television serial captivated the nation for ten weeks, culminating in a finale that broke all previous viewing records.
  3. 5 software key (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Computing

    a code or number you need to make a computer program work.

    a serial number, specifically a unique alphanumeric string required to activate or register software.

    Example

    I lost the serial for my photo editing software and couldn't reinstall it.

    Example

    The user was unable to bypass the activation screen because the serial provided in the documentation was invalid.
    • license key
    • product key
  4. 6 to assign a number (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal

    to give a unique number to something in a series.

    to assign a serial number to an item, typically for tracking or identification purposes.

    Example

    The factory serials every engine before it is shipped to the customer.

    Example

    The aviation authority requires manufacturers to serial every critical component to ensure traceability in the event of mechanical failure.
Origin

Formed as series + -al, on model of Latin seriālis, from seriēs + -ālis. Cognate to Italian seriale. First use appears c. 1823. See cite below.

Idioms1 entry

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