second
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
How often you will meet it
Rank 437 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 46,293 times across 139,755 chapters — 0.022% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 500 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
noun
- 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites also: sec, s
- an indefinitely short time also: moment, mo, minute, bit wait just a momentin a mo
- the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the second of the bases in the infield also: second base
- a particular point in time also: moment, minute, instant the moment he arrived the party began
- following the first in an ordering or series he came in a close second
- a 60th part of a minute of arc also: arcsecond the treasure is 2 minutes and 45 seconds south of here
second in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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For a second she seemed irresolute, and only a second.
Christian's Mistake · Dinah Maria Mulock Craik · Chapter 1
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That is the second time you have made that observation.
The Picture of Dorian Gray · Oscar Wilde · Chapter 1
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So"--the iron face broke for a second into a whimsical grin--"so I offered you a motor.
The Courage of the Commonplace · Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · Chapter 1
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If it is possible, begin your second rehearsal on the stage where the play is to be given.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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They required no second admonition, but rushed into Gluck's room, wet through, and in an agony of terror.
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know · Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie · Chapter 1