second

/ˈsɛkənd/

/ˈsɛkənd/

Other forms: seconds; seconded; seconding

A second may be one-sixtieth of a minute or the item after first. If you ask whether you're second in line, the hostess might reply, "Give me a second and I'll tell you."

Different meanings of the word second have evolved from the same background, which is the Latin word secundus, which means "next" or "following." Many of the meanings of second follow that idea of a linear "next," including "second base" (comes after "first base"). Back when duels were commonly fought, each dueler chose a second, a friend whose job it was to see that the fight followed the rules. You might have second thoughts about entering a duel, and rightfully so.

Definitions of second

1. adjective

   coming next after the first in position in space or time or degree or magnitude
   synonyms: 2d, 2nd

   ordinal

   being or denoting a numerical order in a series
2. noun

   following the first in an ordering or series
   “he came in a close second”

   types:

   latter

   the second of two or the second mentioned of two

   type of:

   rank

   relative status
3. noun

   the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the second of the bases in the infield
   synonyms: second base

   type of:

   position

   (in team sports) the role assigned to an individual player
4. noun

   the gear that has the second lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle
   “he had to shift down into second to make the hill”

   synonyms: second gear

   type of:

   gear, gear mechanism

   a mechanism for transmitting motion for some specific purpose (as the steering gear of a vehicle)
5. adverb

   in the second place
   “second, we must consider the economy”

   synonyms: secondly
6. noun

   1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
   synonyms: s, sec

   types:

   leap second

   a second (as measured by an atomic clock) added to or subtracted from Greenwich Mean Time in order to compensate for slowing in the Earth's rotation

   type of:

   time unit, unit of time

   a unit for measuring time periods
7. noun

   a particular point in time
   synonyms: instant, minute, moment

   types:

   climax, culmination

   the decisive moment in a novel or play

   eleventh hour, last minute

   the latest possible moment

   moment of truth

   a crucial moment on which much depends

   moment of truth

   the moment in a bullfight when the matador kills the bull

   pinpoint

   a very brief moment

   time

   a suitable moment

   psychological moment

   the most appropriate time for achieving a desired effect

   anagnorisis

   the moment in a literary work when a character makes a startling or critical discovery

   high time

   the latest possible moment

   occasion

   the time of a particular event

   type of:

   point, point in time

   an instant of time
8. noun

   an indefinitely short time
   synonyms: bit, minute, mo, moment

   types:

   New York minute, blink of an eye, flash, heartbeat, instant, jiffy, split second, trice, twinkling, wink

   a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

   type of:

   time

   an indefinite period (usually marked by specific attributes or activities)
9. noun

   a 60th part of a minute of arc
   “the treasure is 2 minutes and 45 seconds south of here”

   synonyms: arcsecond

   type of:

   angular unit

   a unit of measurement for angles
10. noun

    the official attendant of a contestant in a duel or boxing match
    type of:

    attendant, attender, tender

    someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
11. noun

    a speech seconding a motion
    “do I hear a second?”

    synonyms: endorsement, indorsement, secondment

    type of:

    agreement

    the verbal act of agreeing
12. verb

    give support or one's approval to
    “I'll second that motion”

    synonyms: back, endorse, indorse

    back, endorse, indorse, plump for, plunk for, support

    be behind; approve of

    type of:

    back up, support

    give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to
13. noun

    merchandise that has imperfections; usually sold at a reduced price without the brand name
    synonyms: irregular

    type of:

    merchandise, product, ware

    commodities offered for sale
14. adjective

    a part or voice or instrument or orchestra section lower in pitch than or subordinate to the first
    “second flute”

    “the second violins”

    antonyms:

    first

    highest in pitch or chief among parts or voices or instruments or orchestra sections
15. verb

    transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment
    “The officer was seconded for duty overseas”

    type of:

    reassign, transfer

    transfer somebody to a different position or location of work