series definition

1. A number of things or events standing or succeeding in order, and connected by a like relation; sequence; order; course; a succession of things; as, a continuous series of calamitous events. "During some years his life a series of triumphs." (Macaulay)

2. <biology> Any comprehensive group of animals or plants including several subordinate related groups.

Sometimes a series includes several classes; sometimes only orders or families; in other cases only species.

3. <mathematics> An indefinite number of terms succeeding one another, each of which is derived from one or more of the preceding by a fixed law, called the law of the series; as, an arithmetical series; a geometrical series.

Origin: L. Series, fr. Serere, sertum, to join or bind together; cf. Gr. To fasten, Skr. Sarit thread. Cf. Assert, Desert a solitude, Exert, Insert, Seraglio.