serial
UK: ˈsɪəriəl | US: ˈsɪriəl
n. a story or program presented in regular installments
adj. arranged in or consisting of a series
adj. (computing) relating to the sequential transmission of data
The word "serial" originates from the Latin "series" (meaning "a row, chain, or sequence"), combined with the adjectival suffix "-al" (from Latin "-alis"). The term evolved in English during the 19th century to describe things arranged in a sequence, later adopted in media (e.g., serial novels) and computing (e.g., serial communication). The morpheme "seri-" preserves the core idea of linear order, while "-al" marks its adjectival function.
The novel was first published as a serial in a monthly magazine.
Serial numbers help track individual products.
The detective uncovered a pattern in the serial robberies.
USB ports use serial data transmission.
She enjoys watching serial dramas on television.