Main Entry: ¹sec·ond

Pronunciation: \ˈse-kənd also -kənt, especially before a consonant -kən, -k^əŋ\

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 vehicle
2 : 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