Second

/ˈsɛk.ənd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.
The race was completed in just under ten seconds.
The second in order or sequence; a person or thing in the second position.
She finished in second place in the competition.
A division of the hour, used as a standard measure of time.
There are sixty seconds in a minute.
verb
To support or endorse a proposal or motion.
I second the motion for a raise in the budget.
To transfer (an employee) temporarily to another position.
She was seconded to the committee for six months.
adjective
Coming next after the first in order or sequence.
My second favorite book is '1984'.
Of lower rank or importance.
He took a second job to make ends meet.

Etymology

From Latin 'secundus', meaning 'following' or 'second'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

second to none:
Unmatched or unsurpassed.
in second place:
Ranked immediately after the first.
take a second look:
To examine something again.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A moment in time.
Just give me a second!
To support or endorse something.
I second that opinion.