||Ser`i*e"ma (?), n. [Native name.] (Zoöl.) A large South American bird
||(Dicholophus, or Cariama cristata) related to the cranes. It is often
||domesticated. Called also cariama.
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.
Ser"in (?), n. [F. serin.] (Zoöl.) A European finch (Serinus
hortulanus) closely related to the canary.
Ser"ine (?), n. [L. sericus silken.] (Chem.) A white crystalline
nitrogenous substance obtained by the action of dilute sulphuric acid
on silk gelatin.
{ Se`ri*o-com"ic (?), Se`ri*o-com"ic*al (?), } a. Having a mixture of
seriousness and sport; serious and comical.
Se"ri*ous (?), a. [L. serius: cf. F. sérieux, LL. seriosus.] 1. Grave
in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay,
or volatile.
He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful
ease.
Macaulay.
2. Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or
deceiving. Beaconsfield.