succession

(noun) a following of one thing after another in time. Synonyms: sequence, chronological sequence, successiveness, chronological succession. Example: "The doctor saw a sequence of patients."

(noun) a group of people or things arranged or following in order. Examples: "A succession of stalls offering soft drinks." "A succession of failures."

(noun) the action of following in order. Synonyms: sequence. Example: "He played the trumps in sequence."

(noun) (ecology) the gradual and orderly process of change in an ecosystem brought about by the progressive replacement of one community by another until a stable climax is established. Synonyms: ecological succession.

(noun) acquisition of property by descent or by will. Synonyms: taking over.