second

Something that is number two in a series.

Something that is next in rank, quality, precedence, position, status, or authority.

The place that is next below or after first in a race or contest.

(usually in the plural) A manufactured item that, though still usable, fails to meet quality control standards.

“They were discounted because they contained blemishes, nicks or were otherwise factory seconds.”

(usually in the plural) An additional helping of food.

“That was good barbecue. I hope I can get seconds.”

A chance or attempt to achieve what should have been done the first time, usually indicating success this time around. (See second-guess.)

The interval between two adjacent notes in a diatonic scale (either or both of them may be raised or lowered from the basic scale via any type of accidental).

The second gear of an engine.

Second base.

The agent of a party to an honour dispute whose role was to try to resolve the dispute or to make the necessary arrangements for a duel.

A Cub Scout appointed to assist the sixer.

To agree as a second person to (a proposal), usually to reach a necessary quorum of two. (See under #Etymology 3 for translations.)

“I second the motion.”

To follow in the next place; to succeed.

To climb after a lead climber.

Number-two; following after the first one with nothing between them. The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number two.

“He lives on Second Street.”

Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.

Being of the same kind as one that has preceded; another.

“Residents of Texas prepared for Hurricane Harvey, which would in some ways turn out to become the second Hurricane Katrina.”

(with superlative) After the first; at the second rank.

“Saturn is the second largest planet.”

After the first occurrence but before the third.

“He is batting second today.”

One-sixtieth of a minute; the SI unit of time, defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of caesium-133 in a ground state at a temperature of absolute zero and at rest.

A unit of angle equal to one-sixtieth of a minute of arc or one part in 3600 of a degree.

A short, indeterminate amount of time.

“I'll be there in a second.”

One who supports another in a contest or combat, such as a dueller's assistant.

One who supports or seconds a motion, or the act itself, as required in certain meetings to pass judgement etc.

“If we want the motion to pass, we will need a second.”

Aid; assistance; help.

To transfer temporarily to alternative employment.

“The army officer was seconded while he held civil office.”

To assist or support; to back.

To agree as a second person to (a proposal), usually to reach a necessary quorum of two. (This may come from the English adjective above.)

“I second the motion.”

To accompany by singing as the second performer.