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Glite Dictionary
sequential operation

sequential operation

4.7
Actions that follow one another in a fixed order
  • noun
  • /sɪˈkwɛnʃəl ˌɑpəˈreɪʃən/
translation icon : operación secuencial
  • The computer program uses a sequential operation to process each record in order.

Examples

  • The sequential operation of the assembly line is efficient.

  • In mathematics, some algorithms require sequential operations rather than parallel ones.

  • Careful planning is necessary when arranging tasks in a sequential operation.

  • Can you explain the sequential operations in this process?

  • In programming, a sequential operation ensures that each task is executed in the correct order.

  • The chef followed a sequential operation to prepare the meal, adding ingredients one after another.

  • For this project, we need to implement a sequential operation to complete each phase step by step.

Synonyms

procedure
vssequential operation
688 3.7

A set of steps you follow in order to get a result

focuses on steps done strictly one after another rather than the goal
serial operation
vssequential operation
  • Specialized
6.0

Tasks happen one after another, each starting after the last finishes

describes actions done in a specific order without stating immediacy
consecutive operation
vssequential operation
  • Specialized
6.2

A series of tasks done one after another without overlap

describes steps done in a specific order but not necessarily immediately

Antonyms

simultaneous operation
4.4

Two or more things working at the same time

parallel operation
  • Specialized
4.9

Doing more than one task at the same time on computers or machines

How Sequential

sequential operation
4.7
parallel operation
  • Specialized
4.9

Surface Forms

sequential operation singular
sequential operations plural

Morphology

sequential + operation

The meaning 'an operation in which actions are carried out one after another' is directly and compositionally derived from 'sequential' (occurring in order) modifying 'operation' (a process). This adjective+noun combination follows a regular compositional pattern and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand it.

Etymology

Sequential operation paints a simple picture: imagine a row of dominoes where each piece falls and then makes the next move, so each action happens sequentially and the next operation begins. So the phrase means 'actions done one after another in a set order'.