Definition Definition

second - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'second' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Second [ a.]
- Immediately following the first; next to the first in order of place or time; hence, occuring again; another; other.
- Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.
- Being of the same kind as another that has preceded; another, like a protype; as, a second Cato; a second Troy; a second deluge.
- The sixtieth part of a minute of time or of a minute of space, that is, the second regular subdivision of the degree; as, sound moves about 1,140 English feet in a second; five minutes and ten seconds north of this place.
- In the duodecimal system of mensuration, the twelfth part of an inch or prime; a line. See Inch, and Prime, n., 8.
- To follow in the next place; to succeed; to alternate.
- To follow or attend for the purpose of assisting; to support; to back; to act as the second of; to assist; to forward; to encourage.
- Specifically, to support, as a motion or proposal, by adding one's voice to that of the mover or proposer.
2 . Second [ n.]
- One who, or that which, follows, or comes after; one next and inferior in place, time, rank, importance, excellence, or power.
- One who follows or attends another for his support and aid; a backer; an assistant; specifically, one who acts as another's aid in a duel.
- Aid; assistance; help.
- An article of merchandise of a grade inferior to the best; esp., a coarse or inferior kind of flour.
- The interval between any tone and the tone which is represented on the degree of the staff next above it.
- The second part in a concerted piece; -- often popularly applied to the alto.

Meaning of 'second' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . second [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a speech seconding a motion
Example in sentence:
  • do I hear a second?
Meaning (2):
- following the first in an ordering or series
Example in sentence:
  • he came in a close second
Meaning (3):
- the gear that has the second lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle
Example in sentence:
  • he had to shift down into second to make the hill
Meaning (4):
- an indefinitely short time
Example in sentence:
  • in a mo;
  • in just a bit;
  • it only takes a minute;
  • wait just a moment
Meaning (5):
- a particular point in time
Example in sentence:
  • the moment he arrived the party began
Meaning (6):
- a 60th part of a minute of arc
Example in sentence:
  • the treasure is 2 minutes and 45 seconds south of here
7 . second [ v]
Meaning (7):
- give support or one's approval to
Example in sentence:
  • endorse a new project;
  • I can't back this plan;
  • I'll second that motion
Meaning (8):
- transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment
Example in sentence:
  • The officer was seconded for duty overseas
9 . second [ a]
Meaning (9):
- a part or voice or instrument or orchestra section lower in pitch than or subordinate to the first
Example in sentence:
  • second flute;
  • the second violins
10 . second [ r]
Meaning (10):
- in the second place
Example in sentence:
  • second, we must consider the economy