Meaning & Definition of word "Secondary"

Secondary

/ˈsɛk əˌnɛr i/

1. Of second rank, importance, or value; subordinate or derived.
- Example: In the secondary education system, students typically attend high school.
2. Not primary; occurring later in time or as a result.
- Example: The secondary effects of the medication can include dizziness and nausea.
3. Involving or relating to the second stage of a process.
- Example: The secondary market for bonds allows investors to buy and sell securities.
4. Relating to a type of education that follows primary education.
- Example: She decided to pursue a career in secondary education to teach high school science.
5. Of a species or family that is derived from another and is not as dominant.
- Example: The secondary succession in the forest followed the disturbance caused by the wildfire.

From Middle English, from Latin 'secundarius' (of the second), from 'secundus' (second).

secondary education:

Education following primary schooling, usually includes high school.

secondary effects:

Indirect or less important results that occur after an initiation.

secondary market:

A financial market where previously issued securities are traded.

primary:

Of chief importance; principal.

tertiary:

Third in order or importance.

auxiliary:

Providing supplementary support or assistance.

Meaning: Second fiddle

Example Sentence: In the project, she felt she was playing second fiddle to her colleague.

Meaning: The B team

Example Sentence: He's on the school's B team, which is considered secondary to the A team.