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second

num. · n. · v.
US //ˈsɛkənd// sec·ond
  1. 1 ordinal number 2 (num.)
    A1 Beginner

    coming after the first thing in a list or series.

    the ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number two; following the first in a sequence.

    Example

    This is the second time I have visited London this year.

    Example

    The second chapter of the report provides a detailed analysis of the fiscal year's primary expenditures.
  2. 2 unit of time (n.)
    A1 Beginner Science

    a very short period of time; there are 60 of these in one minute.

    the SI base unit of time, defined as one-sixtieth of a minute.

    Example

    The winner finished only one second ahead of the other runners.

    Example

    The high-speed camera captures thousands of frames per second, allowing researchers to observe the impact in extreme detail.
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  1. 3 a short moment (n.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    a very short, informal amount of time.

    an informal, indeterminate, and brief duration of time.

    Example

    Wait a second, I forgot my keys on the table.

    Example

    If you can spare a second, I would appreciate your feedback on this draft before I send it to the director.
  2. 4 extra food (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Cooking

    a second serving of the same meal.

    an additional helping of food after the first portion has been consumed.

    Example

    The dinner was so delicious that everyone asked for seconds.

    Example

    Despite the large portions served during the first course, several guests were eager for seconds of the homemade lasagna.

    Usage

    usually used in the plural form 'seconds'
  3. 5 musical interval (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    the distance between two notes that are next to each other in a scale.

    the musical interval between two adjacent degrees in a diatonic scale.

    Example

    The teacher explained the difference between a major and minor second.

    Example

    The composer utilised dissonant major seconds to create a sense of mounting tension throughout the introductory movement.

  4. 6 to support a motion (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to formally support a suggestion so that it can be discussed or voted on.

    to formally support a motion or proposal in a meeting to allow it to proceed to a vote.

    Example

    I would like to second the motion to end the meeting early.

    Example

    After the chairperson proposed the amendment, the treasurer rose to second the motion, ensuring it would be debated by the board.

    Usage

    transitive verb; requires a direct object like 'the motion' or 'the proposal'
  5. 7 to transfer staff (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Formal

    to move an employee to a different job or location for a short time.

    to temporarily transfer an official or worker to another position or department.

    Example

    She was seconded to the marketing department for six months.

    Example

    The senior engineer was seconded to the overseas branch to oversee the final stages of the infrastructure project.

    Usage

    often used in the passive voice; pronounced with the stress on the second syllable

    Teacher's tip

    In British professional contexts, this is common; note the pronunciation difference from the time unit.
Etymology 1

From Middle English secunde, second, secound, secund, borrowed from Old French second, seond, from Latin secundus (“following, next in order”), from root of sequor (“to follow”), from Proto-Indo-European *sekʷ- (“to follow”). Doublet of secund and secundo. Displaced native twoth and partially displaced native other (from Old English ōþer (“other; next; second”)).

Etymology 2

From Middle English secunde, seconde, borrowed from Old French seconde, from Medieval Latin secunda, short for secunda pars minuta (“second diminished part (of the hour)”).

Etymology 3

From Middle French seconder, from Latin secundō (“assist, make favorable”).

Idioms10 entries

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