serial

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   in regular succession without gaps

   serial concerts

2. 2
   adj

   of or relating to the sequential performance of multiple operations

   serial processing

3. 3
   adj

   pertaining to or occurring in or producing a series

   serial monogamy

4. 4
   adj

   pertaining to or composed in serial technique

   serial music

5. 5
   adj

   Having to do with or arranged in a series.

   These singular ribs have a very different direction from that of the serial teeth of the hinge, and cannot be taken for teeth.

6. 6
   adj

   Who performs a specified action or course of action repeatedly or regularly.

   The serial killer had a string of victims across seven states.

7. 7
   noun

   A serial number, esp. one required to activate software.

   Go to these sites for serials, cracks and keygens.

8. 8
   noun

   A unit of police officers equipped with shields to tackle a riot.

   The practice, especially among members of shield serials, of 'whooping like cowboys and indians' and beating of truncheons on riot shields must cease as this tends to frighten and intimidate rioters.

Etymology

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