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sequencing

/ˈsiː.kwəns.ɪŋ/
IELTSAcademic
noun
  1. 1.

    Sequencing is the act of arranging things in a particular order. It is often used in science, study plans, and work processes.

    • The sequencing of steps made the process easier.
    • We checked the sequencing before starting the experiment.
    • Good sequencing helps readers follow your argument.
  2. 2.

    In biology, sequencing is the process of finding the order of units in DNA or RNA. Scientists use it to study genes and diseases.

    • DNA sequencing helped identify the mutation.
    • The lab finished the sequencing overnight.
    • They used sequencing to compare the samples.

Adinary Nuance

Sequencing is about order, not just a list or a series. It is closer to arrangement or ordering than to timing, planning, or sorting. In science, it has a special meaning for reading the order of DNA or RNA. That scientific use is more specific than the everyday meaning.

In other languages

Vietnamese
sự sắp xếp
Spanish
secuenciación
Chinese
测序
Japanese
配列決定
Korean
서열 분석

Etymology

Sequencing comes from sequence, which entered English from Old French in the 14th century, and from Latin sequentia, meaning 'a following'. The modern scientific use grew in the 20th century.

Common phrases

the sequencing of eventsDNA sequencingsequencing stepsthe sequencing process

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is sequencing the same as ordering?
Often, yes. Sequencing means putting things in the right order.
Is sequencing used in science?
Yes. In biology, it means finding the order of DNA or RNA units.
How do I use sequencing in writing?
Use it when you talk about the order of ideas, events, or steps.
Is sequencing a common academic word?
Yes. It is common in study, science, and formal writing.