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Definition of second

noun

1 (abbreviation: s) a sixtieth of a minute of time, which as the SI unit of time is defined in terms of the natural periodicity of the radiation of a caesium-133 atom. (Symbol: ʺ)
informal a very short time:his eyes met Charlotte’s for a second

2 (also arc second or second of arc) a sixtieth of a minute of angular distance. (Symbol: ʺ)

Origin:

late Middle English: from medieval Latin secunda (minuta) 'second (minute)', feminine (used as a noun) of secundus, referring to the ‘second’ operation of dividing an hour by sixty

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Definition of second in the US English dictionary

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