sequence

UK: ˈsiːkwəns | US: ˈsiːkwəns

Definition

  1. n. a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other

  2. n. (mathematics) an ordered list of numbers or other mathematical objects

  3. vt. to arrange in a particular order

Structure
sequ <follow (from Latin *sequi*)>ence <noun suffix indicating state or quality>
Etymology

The word "sequence" originates from the Latin sequentia, derived from sequi (to follow). The root sequ- reflects the core idea of orderly succession, preserved in modern usage across disciplines like mathematics (ordered lists) and linguistics (chronological arrangements). The suffix -ence nominalizes the action, emphasizing the resulting state of being ordered.

Examples

  1. The film editor arranged the scenes in a logical sequence.

  2. Each DNA sequence encodes specific genetic information.

  3. The software sequences tasks automatically for efficiency.

  4. The dance performance followed a strict sequence of movements.

  5. Historians analyzed the sequence of events leading to the revolution.