Definition

Noun: - The second division into which the play of a game is divided: This term specifically refers to the second segment of playing time in a timed sporting event, such as hockey, basketball, or American football, which is divided into distinct periods or quarters.

Usage

This term is used almost exclusively in the context of organized sports with timed periods. It denotes a specific chronological segment of the game's total duration. - The home team scored two goals in the second period to take the lead. - Foul trouble became a major issue for the visiting team during the second period.

Advanced Usage

• "Late in the second period" / "Early in the second period": Phrases used to specify when an event happened within that segment of the game.
  • The tying goal was scored late in the second period.

Variants and Related Words

• Period (n): A division of time in a game, such as the first period, third period, etc.
• Halftime (n): The intermission between two halves of a game (common in sports like soccer and football, which are not typically divided into "periods").
• Quarter (n): A division of playing time, especially in basketball and American football. (Note: "Second quarter" is analogous to "second period" in sports that use quarters).

Synonyms

• Second stanza (n): An informal synonym, primarily used in ice hockey commentary.
• Middle frame (n): Another informal synonym used in hockey for the second period.

Related Phrases

• End of the second period: The conclusion of that segment of play.
  • The score was tied at the end of the second period.
• Start of the second period: The beginning of that segment of play.
  • A penalty was called just 30 seconds after the start of the second period.

Noun

1. the second division into which the play of a game is divided