second-degree
UK: ˌsekənd dɪˈɡriː | US: ˌsekənd dɪˈɡriː
adj. relating to or denoting a lesser or secondary level of severity, importance, or classification (e.g., second-degree burn).
adj. (law) involving intentional harm or negligence but not premeditation (e.g., second-degree murder).
n. (education) a postgraduate academic degree, such as a master's, earned after a first degree.
The word combines "second," from Latin secundus (meaning "following" or "next"), and "degree," from Latin degradus (a step or rank). Originally used in medieval academia to denote hierarchical stages of study, it later extended to legal and medical contexts to classify severity or intent. The logic reflects a graded system, where "second" implies a subordinate or intermediate position.
The victim suffered second-degree burns from the chemical spill.
He was charged with second-degree assault after the altercation.
She pursued a second-degree in psychology to advance her career.
Second-degree murder carries a lighter sentence than first-degree.
The university offers accelerated programs for earning a second-degree.