English Reference

Word

seconds

Phoneticssec·onds

/ˈsɛkəndz/

Definitions

01units of time

A1

n. more than one unit of time; there are sixty of these in one minute.

n. the plural form of the SI unit of time.

“The race was so close that only two seconds separated the winner from the runner-up.”

“The digital timer tracks the countdown in seconds, providing a precise visual cue for the laboratory technicians during the experiment.”

Synonyms

02extra food

B1 · Cooking

n. a second portion of food or drink after you have finished your first one.

n. an additional helping of food or a refill of a beverage served after the initial portion has been consumed.

“The dinner was so delicious that almost everyone asked for seconds.”

“Despite having already consumed a substantial main course, several guests were eager for seconds of the homemade apple crumble.”

Informal

Synonyms

refillextra helping

03imperfect goods

B2

n. products that have small mistakes and are sold at a lower price.

n. manufactured items, particularly clothing or textiles, that have failed quality control and are sold at a discount.

“I bought these towels as seconds because they had a few loose threads, but they work perfectly.”

“The factory outlet specialises in selling seconds, allowing consumers to purchase high-end designer labels at a fraction of the retail price due to minor aesthetic flaws.”

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Very common
Updated

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English Reference