"coming in regular succession," 1840, from series + -al (1); popularized in reference to Dickens' novels, published one part at a time in periodicals (as opposed to all at once in a book). Found to be a useful word and given wide application. Serial number, indicating position in a series, first recorded 1866, originally of papers, packages, etc.; of soldiers from 1918. Serial killer is first attested 1981 (in relation to John Wayne Gacy and Ted Bundy), though serial had been used in connection with murders since the early 1960s. Related: Serially.
serial (n.)
1846, from serial (adj.).
双语例句
1. All the bills had the same serial number. The cash was counterfeit.
所有钞票的序列号都是一样的。这些钱是伪钞。
来自柯林斯例句
2. It's a film about a serial killer and not for the faint-hearted.
这部电影是讲一个连环杀手的，不适合胆小的人看。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The first part of the serial ended with a real cliffhanger.
这部连续剧的第一集以扣人心弦的悬念而告终。
来自《权威词典》
4. tasks carried out in the same serial order
按同样顺序完成的任务
来自《权威词典》
5. A new serial is starting on television tonight.