n.
Pronunciation: ' se-k ə nd also -k ə nt, esp before a consonant -k ə n, -k ə ŋ
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