Sec: meaning, definitions and examples

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sec

 

[ sɛk ]

Noun / Abbreviation
Context #1 | Noun

unit of time

A 'sec' is a commonly used abbreviation for a second, which is the base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined based on a specific number of cycles of radiation corresponding to a transition between two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom. Seconds are used to measure time intervals in various contexts, from everyday life to scientific experiments.

Synonyms

instant, minute, moment.

Examples of usage

  • It took me five sec to finish the task.
  • The light will change in 30 sec.
  • Wait a sec, I'm coming!
  • I can hold my breath for 20 sec.
Context #2 | Abbreviation

short form

The term 'sec' can also refer to an abbreviation for several phrases, including 'secretary,' 'secondary,' or 'second.' In this context, it is used informally to denote a shortened form of these words in written or spoken language.

Synonyms

abbreviation, acronym, short form.

Examples of usage

  • Please contact the sec for further information.
  • The sec will handle the booking.
  • He is the sec of the club.
  • I have a meeting with the sec at noon.

Translations

Translations of the word "sec" in other languages:

🇵🇹 segundo

🇮🇳 सेकंड

🇩🇪 Sekunde

🇮🇩 detik

🇺🇦 секунда

🇵🇱 sekunda

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 seconde

🇪🇸 segundo

🇹🇷 saniye

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 ثانية

🇨🇿 sekunda

🇸🇰 sekunda

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 sekunda

🇮🇸 sekúnda

🇰🇿 деп

🇬🇪 წუთი

🇦🇿 saniyə

🇲🇽 segundo

Etymology

The word 'second' comes from the Latin 'secundus,' meaning 'second' or 'following.' The usage of 'sec' as an abbreviation for 'second' in its temporal context started in the 19th century, as the need to have succinct and efficient measurements of time became more significant with the age of industrialization. The adoption of seconds as a standard unit of time was influenced by developments in physics and metrology, particularly in the establishment of the International System of Units (SI) in the late 1960s, which solidified the second based on atomic rather than astronomical phenomena. The abbreviation 'sec' has also been used in various aspects of language, evolving with modern communication styles and becoming a common shorthand in everyday discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,752, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.