Definition of sequencing

The word "sequencing" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the verb "sequi," which means "to follow." In the 15th century, the Latin phrase "in sequentia" emerged, translating to "in sequence" or "in following order." This phrase described the process of arranging events or elements in a specific order. In the mid-19th century, the term "sequence" was borrowed into English from French, where it was derived from the Latin phrase "in sequentia." Initially, "sequence" referred to a series of events or a logical order. The modern usage of "sequencing" as we know it today, particularly in the context of biology and genomics, emerged in the late 20th century. It refers to the process of determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule, as well as the arrangement of genes in an organism's genome. Throughout its evolution, the word "sequencing" has remained rooted in the concept of following or arranging elements in a specific order.