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Sec: meaning, definitions and examples

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sec

 

[sɛk ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'sec' is short for 'second,' which originates from the Latin 'secunda' meaning 'second division.'
  • Early clocks in Europe divided time into 60 parts called 'seconds,' leading to the modern use of the term.
  • The abbreviation 'sec' became commonly used in the 20th century with the rise of digital timekeeping.

Science

  • In physics, a 'sec' is used to measure time intervals in experiments and is crucial for understanding motion.
  • The concept of a second is essential in measuring frequency; for example, one hertz is equivalent to one cycle per second.
  • In the field of astronomy, time is divided into seconds to make precise calculations about celestial events.

Culture

  • In film and television, editors often refer to 'seconds' to time scenes accurately, creating a rhythm in storytelling.
  • Sporting events often utilize seconds to time races and performances, emphasizing speed and competition.
  • In music, beats are often counted in seconds to help musicians stay synchronized during performances.

Technology

  • Many digital devices use seconds as a standard measurement for timers, showing how integral this unit is in our daily lives.
  • Programming often employs 'sec' in code to manage time-related functions efficiently.
  • Internet speed is sometimes measured in seconds, indicating how quickly data can be processed or transmitted.

Translations

Translations of the word "sec" in other languages:

🇵🇹 segundo

🇮🇳 सेकंड

🇩🇪 Sekunde

🇮🇩 detik

🇺🇦 секунда

🇵🇱 sekunda

🇯🇵 秒

🇫🇷 seconde

🇪🇸 segundo

🇹🇷 saniye

🇰🇷 초

🇸🇦 ثانية

🇨🇿 sekunda

🇸🇰 sekunda

🇨🇳 秒

🇸🇮 sekunda

🇮🇸 sekúnda

🇰🇿 деп

🇬🇪 წუთი

🇦🇿 saniyə

🇲🇽 segundo

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.