Where Does the Word Second Come From

Different meanings of the word second have evolved from the same background, which is the Latin word secundus, which means “next” or “following.” Many of the meanings of second follow that idea of a linear “next,” including “second base” (comes after “first base”).

Why is 2nd called second?

First the hour was divided into small (“minute”) units (Latin: “pars minuta”). Later on, even more precision became necessary, so a second division into “seconds” was introduced (Latin: “pars minuta secunda”). It all ties to the history of chronometry, actually.

What is the meaning of 2nd?

1. 2nd – coming next after the first in position in space or time or degree or magnitude. 2d, second. ordinal – being or denoting a numerical order in a series; “ordinal numbers”; “held an ordinal rank of seventh”