SINCE 1828
second-degree
adjectiveDefinition of second-degree
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
US, of a crime
: of a level of seriousness that is less than first-degree : deserving punishment but not the most severe punishment
second-degree assault/murder
2
: causing a moderate level of injury
He received/suffered second-degree burns. a second-degree concussion
second degree
nounDefinition of second degree (Entry 2 of 2)
US
: the level of a crime that is less than first degree and deserves less severe punishment
He was charged with assault in the second degree.
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