sequence
/ˈsiːkw(ə)ns
/noun
1A particular order in which related things follow each other: the content of the programme should follow a logical sequence [mass noun]: the poems should be read in sequence...
- I did not want to interrupt the member, particularly because I agreed with most of what he was saying, but I suggest that we follow a logical sequence here.
- Number each part of the preparation in a logical sequence that you can follow every time.
- The numbered items defined below are given in a logical sequence that keeps related terms together, which an alphabetical order would disrupt.
Synonyms
succession, order, course, series, chain, concatenation, train, string, cycle, progression;
arrangement, pattern;
chronology;
flow
1.1 Music A repetition of a phrase or melody at a higher or lower pitch: a restless search for interesting harmonic sequences...
- If the repetition is only in the melody, with changed harmony, it is called a melodic sequence, and if the repetition is followed also in the harmony, a harmonic sequence.
- The last repetition of the sequence takes the triads down to the tonic D major and the vocal line up to F (sharp).
- By the end of ‘Cromosomi’, with its tricky harmonic sequence that descends in semitones, he had the audience in the palm of his hand.
1.2 Biochemistry The order in which amino-acid or nucleotide residues are arranged in a protein, DNA, etc. these are enzymes which will cleave only at specific base sequences in the DNA...
- The relationship between the nucleotide sequence and the protein amino-acid sequence determines the genetic code.
- The molecular classification of lactamases is based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequences in these enzymes.
- When the amino acid sequences of the four proteins are compared, only a 28% identity is found.
2A set of related events, movements, or items that follow each other in a particular order: a gruelling sequence of exercises a sonnet sequence...
- It is a sequence of movements that is generally done 12 times a day.
- The call of any race is simply a momentary climax in an unfolding sequence of related events week to week.
- One of the keys to playing the piano - or at least to playing it well - is the ability of the pianist to time appropriately a sequence of movements of the fingers.
2.1A set of three or more playing cards of the same suit next to each other in value, for example 10, 9, 8.Consider splitting it into shorter sequences - for example you might take the lead with the upper four cards and then play the lower five....
- If two players have identical sequences in non-trump suits, the one wins whose turn to play to the first trick is earlier.
- To be valid, sequences in the same suit must either have a gap between them or overlap.
2.2 Mathematics An infinite ordered series of numerical quantities.Thus all infinite sequences of natural numbers have the same power, aleph zero....
- Infinitely many sequences result from Viswanath's rule.
- Cantor published a paper on trigonometric series in 1872 in which he defined irrational numbers in terms of convergent sequences of rational numbers.
3A part of a film dealing with one particular event or topic: the famous underwater sequence...
- Operatic in scale, featuring garish colours and fantastic action sequences, the film is a minor adventure classic.
- This sets them apart from similar sequences in other action films, which hesitate to show a child uncomfortable, let alone suffering.
- It remains one of the most exciting action sequences ever filmed.
Synonyms
excerpt, clip, scene, extract, episode, section, segment
4(In the Eucharist) a hymn said or sung after the Gradual or Alleluia that precedes the Gospel.Intended for liturgical use, her verses fall into the familiar categories of antiphon, respond, sequence, and hymn, and cover the cycle of the church year....
- At the end of the sequence the celebrant says, ‘Snatch us from damnation and receive us among your elect.’
verb [with object]
1Arrange in a particular order: trainee librarians decide how a set of misfiled cards could be sequenced...
- The switch condition was manipulated by sequencing the order of tasks across each five-trial series.
- The series of transplant cases was sequenced in the order in which the operations were carried out.
- What is put on stage and managed and ordered and sequenced is merely creative manifestations of culture and is not to be equated with culture itself.
1.1 Biochemistry Ascertain the sequence of amino-acid or nucleotide residues in (a protein, DNA, etc.): we have undertaken to isolate and sequence the rat retinoblastoma cDNA (as noun sequencing) independent clones were analysed by DNA sequencing...
- We sequenced genomic DNA from heterozygous animals in an attempt to identify the remaining mutations.
- For comparison, we sequenced genomic DNA from the stock used to generate the mutants.
- We have sequenced mitochondrial DNA and nuclear genes from wild and domestic pigs from Asia and Europe.
2Play or record (music) with a sequencer.That was much more to do with electronic / sequenced music with a live edge....
- His work has often interrogated the boundaries between live and sequenced music; between improvisation and composition.
- The project started with Brock writing and sequencing a demo of the song that we were going to perform.
Origin
Late Middle English (in sense 4 of the noun): from late Latin sequentia, from Latin sequent- 'following', from the verb sequi 'follow'.