second
UK: ˈsɛkənd | US: ˈsɛkənd
adj. coming after the first in order, time, or importance
n. a unit of time equal to 1/60 of a minute
vt. to formally support a proposal or nomination
The word second originates from Latin secundus, meaning "following" or "next in order." It was adopted into Old French as second, then Middle English, retaining its ordinal sense. The time-related meaning (1/60 of a minute) arose in the 14th century from medieval Latin pars minuta secunda ("second small part"), referring to the division of hours into minutes and seconds. The verb sense ("to support") emerged in the 16th century, metaphorically extending the idea of "following" someone's lead.
She finished the race in second place.
Wait just a second—I need to grab my coat.
The motion was seconded by two committee members.
His second attempt was far more successful.
The clock ticked away the seconds slowly.