1. Of less importance or significance than something else:
* Example: "The secondary characters in the play were less developed than the main character."
* Synonyms: subordinate, minor, auxiliary
2. Coming after something else in order or time:
* Example: "Secondary school comes after primary school."
* Synonyms: subsequent, following, later
3. Related to or derived from something else:
* Example: "The secondary market for stocks is where previously issued stocks are traded."
* Synonyms: derivative, derived, related
4. Relating to a secondary source:
* Example: "The article was based on secondary sources, meaning it relied on information from other sources."
* Synonyms: indirect, derived, secondhand
5. In biology, referring to a specific structure or function:
* Example: "The secondary sexual characteristics are features that distinguish males and females."
In addition to these common meanings, "secondary" can also be used in specific contexts like:
* Secondary colors: Colors created by mixing two primary colors (e.g., orange, green, purple).
* Secondary industries: Industries that process raw materials into finished products.
The specific meaning of "secondary" will depend on the context in which it is used.