seconds
seconds Lexical Profile
seconds Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Plural form of second; units of time each equal to one-sixtieth of a minute, or brief moments of time.
"The sprinter finished the race in less than ten seconds."
An additional helping of food served at a meal after the first portion has been eaten.
"The stew was so delicious that everyone at the table went back for seconds."
Manufactured goods or merchandise having minor flaws or imperfections, typically sold at a reduced price.
"She bought the ceramic plates at a steep discount from a bin of factory seconds."
Attendants or assistants who support a contestant in a duel or a boxer or wrestler in a match.
"The referee instructed the seconds to leave the ring before the next round began."
• verb
To formally support or endorse a motion, proposal, or nomination in a meeting or assembly as a necessary preliminary to a vote (third-person singular simple present).
"Once a committee member seconds the motion, the chairperson will open the floor for debate."
British To temporarily transfer an employee, official, or military officer to another department or post (third-person singular simple present).
"The ministry regularly seconds experienced analysts to regional offices to help manage complex projects."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old French 'seconde' and Medieval Latin 'secunda', shortened from the phrase 'secunda pars minuta' ('second diminished part'), representing the second division of an hour by sixty.