second-order
adjectiveUK /ˌsekənd ˈɔːdə/
US /ˌsekənd ˈɔːrdər/
Coming after the first level, like a change that happens because of another change.
The new rules had a second-order effect on how people played the game.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In math, a kind of equation that involves a rate of change of a rate of change.
The class learned how to solve a second-order equation.
3. Relating to a deeper or less obvious level of meaning or importance.
They discussed the second-order questions behind the simple decision.
4. In logic, a system that talks about sets or properties of things, not just single things.
Second-order logic can express ideas that first-order logic cannot.