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second-string

adjective sec·ond-string \ ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ , ˌse-kᵊŋ- \

Definition of second-string

: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

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Origin and Etymology of second-string

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

SECOND-STRING Defined for English Language Learners

second-string

adjective

Definition of second-string for English Language Learners

  • sports : not used as one of the regular players on a team

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second-string

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