[ˈsɪərɪəl], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- consisting of, forming part of, or taking place in a series
(e.g: a serial publication)

- repeatedly committing the same offence and typically following a characteristic, predictable behaviour pattern
(e.g: a serial killer)

- using transformations of a fixed series of notes
(e.g: the harmonic flow of serial music)

- (of a device) involving the transfer of data as a single sequence of bits


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 19th century: from series + -al, perhaps suggested by French sérial

[ˈsɪərɪəl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a story or play appearing in regular instalments on television or radio or in a magazine
(e.g: a new three-part drama serial)

- (in a library) a periodical
(e.g: the Serials Librarian)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 19th century: from series + -al, perhaps suggested by French sérial