- Main Entry:
- 1sec·ond

- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈse-kənd also -kənt, especially before a consonant -kən, -kəŋ\
- Function:
- adjective
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French secund, from Latin secundus second, following, favorable, from sequi to follow — more at sue
- Date:
- 13th century
1 a: next to the first in place or time <was second in line> b (1): next to the first in value, excellence, or degree <his second choice of schools> (2): inferior, subordinate <was second to none> c: ranking next below the top of a grade or degree in authority or precedence <second mate> d: alternate, other <elects a mayor every second year> e: resembling or suggesting a prototype : another <a second Thoreau> f: being the forward gear or speed next higher than first in a motor vehicle2: relating to or having a part typically subordinate to and lower in pitch than the first part in concerted or ensemble music
— second or sec·ond·ly adverb