series
series
(sîrʹēz) noun
Abbr. ser.
1.
A number of objects or events arranged or coming one after the other in succession.
2.
Physics & Chemistry. A group of objects related by linearly varying successive differences in form or configuration: a radioactive decay series; the paraffin alkane series.
3. Mathematics. The sum of a sequentially ordered finite or infinite set of terms.
4. Geology. A group of rock formations closely related in time of origin and distinct as a group from other formations.
5. Grammar. A succession of coordinate elements in a sentence.
6. a. A succession of usually continuously numbered issues or volumes of a publication, published with related authors or subjects and similar formats. b. A succession of regularly aired television programs, each one of which is complete in and of itself.
7. a. Sports. A number of games played one after the other by the same opposing teams. b. Baseball. The World Series.
8. Linguistics. A set of vowels or diphthongs related by ablaut, as in sing, sang, sung, and song.
idiom.
in series
In an arrangement that forms a series.
[Latin seriēs, from serere, to join.]
Synonyms:
series, succession, progression, sequence, chain, train, string. These nouns denote a number of things placed or occurring one after the other. Series refers to like, related, or identical things arranged or occurring in order: a series of days; a series of facts. A succession is a series whose elements follow each other, generally in order of time and without interruption: a succession of failures. A progression is a series that reveals a definite pattern of advance: a geometric progression. In a sequence things follow one another in chronological or numerical order or in an order that indicates a causal or logical relationship or a recurrent pattern: a natural sequence of ideas. Chain suggests a series of things that are closely linked or connected: the chain of command; a chain of proof. Train can apply to a procession of people, animals, or vehicles or to a sequence of ideas or events: a train of mourners; my train of thought. A string is a continuous series or succession of similar or uniform elements likened to objects threaded on a long cord: a string of islands; a string of questions.
Usage Note:
Series is both a singular and a plural form. When it has the singular sense of "one set," it takes a singular verb, even when series is followed by of and a plural noun: A series of lectures is scheduled. When it has the plural sense of "one or more sets," it takes a plural verb: Two series of lectures are scheduled: one for experts and one for laypeople.