second-generation

UK: ˌsek.ənd.dʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən | US: ˌsek.ənd.dʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or denoting the children of immigrants or the next stage in technological development

  2. n. a person or thing belonging to the second generation of a family, group, or product line

Structure
second <following the first>generation <production or lineage>
Etymology

The term combines "second," from Latin secundus (meaning "following" or "next"), and "generation," from Latin generatio (meaning "production" or "lineage"). Originally used in familial contexts (e.g., children of immigrants), it later expanded to technology (e.g., "second-generation computers") to denote improved or successor versions. The logic reflects a linear progression—either in ancestry or innovation.

Examples

  1. She is a second-generation immigrant, born to parents who moved here in the 1980s.

  2. The second-generation iPhone introduced significant upgrades over its predecessor.

  3. Many second-generation Americans blend their cultural heritage with modern influences.

  4. This second-generation vaccine shows higher efficacy against new variants.

  5. The company focuses on mentoring second-generation leaders to ensure continuity.