(sek′ənd) noun
1. A unit of time, 1/60 of a minute.
2. Geom. A unit of angular measure, 1/60 of a minute of arc. Symbol: "
3. In the duodecimal notation, 1/12 of an inch or prime. [<OF seconde <Med. L seconda (minuta), lit., second (minute), i.e., the result of the second operation of sexagesimal division, fem. of L secundus SECOND²]

(sek′ənd) adjective
1. Next in order, authority, responsibility, etc., after the first: the ordinal of two.
2. Ranking next to or below the first or best; of inferior quality or value; secondary; subordinate.
3. Identical in character with another or preceding one; another; other.
4. Music Lower in pitch, or rendering a lower part than the principal one.
—noun
1. The one next after the first in position, rank, importance, or quality.
2. An attendant who supports or aids another, as in a duel.
3. plural Articles of merchandise of imperfect manufacture, of second grade, or of inferior quality.
4. Music a The interval between any note and the next above or below in the diatonic scale. b A note separated by this interval from any other. c Two notes at this interval written or sounded together. d The resulting dissonance. e A second or subordinate part, instrument, or voice.
5. In parliamentary law, an utterance whereby a motion is seconded: Do I hear a second?
—major second Music A second between whose tones is a difference of pitch of a step.
—v.t.
1. To act as a supporter or assistant óf; promote; stimulate: encourage.
2. In de liberative bodies, to support formally, as a motion, resolution, etc., as a prerequisite to discussion or adoption. See synonyms under AID, HELP.
—adverb In the second order, place, or rank: also, in formal discourse, sec′ond·ly. [<OF <L secundus following <sequi follow]