seconds-hand

seconds-hand

The seconds-hand moves steadily around the clock face.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A hand on a clock or watch that indicates seconds: "seconds-hand" refers to the thin, often long pointer that moves around a clock or watch dial to show the passage of seconds. It is typically the fastest-moving hand on an analogue timepiece.

  2. Adjective:

    • Second-hand: "seconds-hand" is a variant spelling of "second-hand", meaning not new; previously owned or used by someone else. It can also mean not original or obtained indirectly, such as information heard from another person.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The seconds-hand on my watch sweeps smoothly around the dial. (The pointer that shows seconds moves continuously.)
    • He waited for the seconds-hand to reach twelve before starting the stopwatch. (He watched the hand indicating seconds to time an event.)

  • Adjective:

    • She bought a seconds-hand book from the charity shop. (A previously owned book, not new.)
    • I heard the news through seconds-hand sources, so it may not be accurate. (Information obtained indirectly, not from the original source.)
Advanced Usage

  • "seconds-hand knowledge": knowledge gained indirectly, not through direct experience.

    • His understanding of the event was based on seconds-hand knowledge from a friend. (He did not witness it himself.)

  • "seconds-hand smoke": smoke from a burning cigarette or pipe that is inhaled involuntarily by a non-smoker. (Note: This is more commonly written as "second-hand smoke".)

Variants and Related Words

  • Second-hand (adj, adv): the standard spelling for "previously owned" or "indirectly received".

    • She prefers buying second-hand clothes. (Clothes that have been worn before.)

  • Secondhand (adj, adv): a common single-word alternative to "second-hand".

    • He bought a secondhand car. (A used car.)

  • Hand (n): a pointer on a clock or watch.

    • The hour hand is shorter than the minute hand. (The clock's pointers.)
Synonyms
  • For noun (clock part): sweep hand (a seconds-hand that moves continuously without ticking), second hand (standard term for the same part).
  • For adjective (not new): used, pre-owned, previously owned.
  • For adjective (indirect): indirect, hearsay (for information).
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "seconds-hand". However, the verb "to hand down" can relate to "second-hand": (Passed from one owner to another.)
Related Idioms

  • "At second hand": indirectly; through an intermediary.

    • I learned about the scandal at second hand from a colleague. (Not directly from the source.)

  • "Second-hand rose": a term used to describe a woman who is no longer young or who has been previously married (dated, sometimes derogatory).

    • She felt like a second-hand rose at the wedding. (A woman past her prime, often used in song lyrics.)