Definition of "serial"

serial

/ˈsɪə.ɹɪ.əl/

adjective
not comparable
1. Having to do with or arranged in a series.
2. (of a person) Who performs a specified action or course of action repeatedly or regularly.
  Quotations
  "No I could not!" Kate looked at Max sternly. "I am not a cheat and I am not a serial monogamist."
  2012, Rachel James, Salisbury, Lulu.com, page 10
3. Published or produced in installments.
4. (grammar) Of or relating to a grammatical aspect relating to an action that is habitual and ongoing.
noun
plural serials
1. A work, such as a work of fiction, published in installments, often numbered and without a specified end.
2. A publication issued in successive parts, often numbered and with no predetermined end.
3. (computing, slang) A serial number, esp. one required to activate software.
4. (UK) A unit of police officers equipped with shields to tackle a riot.
  Quotations
  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.
  1992, James Donald, Ali Rattansi, Race, Culture and Difference, page 66
  The serials worked in pairs, one with long shields and one with short shields.
  2013, Tony Moore, Policing Notting Hill: Fifty Years of Turbulence, page 324
verb
third-person singular simple present serials, present participle serialling or (US) serialing, simple past and past participle serialled or (US) serialed
1. (transitive) to assign a serial number to (especially of aircraft)