Se"ries (?), n. 1.
(Bot.) In Engler's system of plant classification, a group
of families showing certain structural or morphological relationships.
It corresponds to the cohort of some writers, and to the
order of many modern systematists.
2. (Elec.) A mode of arranging the
separate parts of a circuit by connecting them successively end to end
to form a single path for the current; -- opposed to parallel.
The parts so arranged are said to be in
series.
3. (Com.) A parcel of rough diamonds
of assorted qualities.
Se"ries (?), n. [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.] 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. (Biol.) 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. (Math.) 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.