sequencer

American  

[see-kwuhn-ser] / ˈsi kwən sər /

noun

1. a device for the automatic determination or regulation of a sequence.

2. Biochemistry. a device that can sequence nucleic acids or protein.

3. an electronic device or software program that digitally stores sound for modification and playback through a synthesizer.

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sequencer British  

/ ˈsiːkwənsə /

noun

1. an electronic device that determines the order in which a number of operations occur

2. an electronic device that sorts information into the required order for data processing

3. a unit connected to a synthesizer, which is capable of memorizing sequences of notes

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Etymology

Origin of sequencer

First recorded in 1970–75; sequence + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Roche is pricing Axelios at $750,000, compared with about $1 million for Illumina’s top sequencer.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

UC Santa Cruz licensed the concept for nanopore-sequencing technology to the UK-based company Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which made MinION, the first hand-held DNA sequencer.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2024

A common gene sequencer works by affixing a DNA sample between two pieces of optically perfect glass called a flow cell.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2022

Cabaret Voltaire borrowed the same type of synthesiser Eno used, from the university's music department, and acquired a sequencer and drum machine.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2021

"At the T-Minus one minute mark, the ground launch sequencer will verify that the main shuttle engines are ready to start."

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Schwartau, Winn