ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Secondary

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ɹɪ/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Secondary is an adjective meaning Next in order to the first or primary; of second place in origin, rank, etc.

Meaning

Next in order to the first or primary; of second place in origin, rank, etc.

More Meanings

  1. Originating from a deputy or delegated person or body.
  2. (organic chemistry) Derived from a parent compound by replacement of two atoms of hydrogen by organic radicals.
  3. (geology) Produced by alteration or deposition subsequent to the formation of the original rock mass.
  4. (geology) Developed by pressure or other causes.
  5. (anatomy) Pertaining to the second joint of the wing of a bird.
  6. (medicine) Dependent or consequent upon another disease, or occurring in the second stage of a disease.
  7. Of less than primary importance.

Example Sentences

a secondary issue
secondary cleavage
the work of secondary hands
the secondary symptoms of syphilis

Word Forms

Synonyms for secondary

Depending on context, synonyms include associate, subordinate, high, auxiliary, inferior, petty.

Antonyms for secondary

Common opposites include idiopathic, primary.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include incident, secondhand, alternate, alternative, supplemental, collateral.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.