second1
/
ˈsɛk(ə)nd/
ordinal number
- constituting number two in a sequence; coming after the first in time or order; 2nd.
▸secondly.
▸
(seconds)
informal a second course or second helping of food at a meal.
▸denoting someone or something reminiscent of a better-known predecessor:
the conflict could turn into a second Vietnam.
- subordinate or inferior in position, rank, or importance.
▸Brit. a place in the second grade in an examination for a university degree.
▸Music performing a lower or subordinate of two or more parts for the same instrument or voice.
▸
(seconds)
goods of an inferior quality.
▸coarse flour, or bread made from it.
- Music an interval spanning two consecutive notes in a diatonic scale.
▸the note which is higher by this interval than the tonic of a diatonic scale or root of a chord.
- an attendant assisting a combatant in a duel or boxing match.
- a Cub or Brownie who assists the Sixer.
v.
- formally support or endorse (a nomination or resolution) before adoption or further discussion.
▸express agreement with.
- archaic support; back up.
Phrase
- second to none
the best, worst, fastest, etc.
Derivative
- seconder n.
- secondly adv.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. secundus ‘following, second’, from the base of sequi ‘follow’.
second2
/
ˈsɛk(ə)nd/
n.
-
(abbrev.: s or ")
a sixtieth of a minute of time, which as the SI unit of time is defined in terms of the natural periodicity of the radiation of a caesium-133 atom.
▸informal a very short time.
-
(also arc second or second of arc)
a sixtieth of a minute of angular distance.
(Symbol: ")
Etymology
ME: from med. L. secunda (minuta) ‘second (minute)’, fem. (used as n.) of secundus, referring to the ‘second’ operation of dividing an hour by sixty.
second3
/
sɪˈkɒnd/
v.
Brit. temporarily transfer (a worker) to another position.
Derivative
- secondee
/-ˈdiː/
n. - secondment n.
Etymology
C19: from Fr. en second ‘in the second rank (of officers)’.