adjective / noun

secondary

SEK-uhn-dair-ee/ˈsekənderi/

Following or subordinate to a primary element.

The smaller folder is secondary to the large central folder.

A large central task folder stands before a smaller supporting folder beside it, showing secondary importance through clear visual hierarchy; no readable labels.

Etymology

Built on the idea of coming second, secondary applies order to importance: something in the second class is not chief or principal. This connects following a primary thing with being subordinate to it.

In context

Osmosis from Elsevier0:48

significant bleeding in the first 24 hours after delivery is called primary postpartum Hemorrhage and after that it's called secondary or late postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

More examples

She checks a secondary source for background on the event.
Students enter secondary school after finishing elementary school.
The team's secondary covers receivers downfield.
The transformer's secondary receives energy through electromagnetic induction.

Forms

secondary · secondaries

secondarily adverb — In a less important or direct way.

Similar words

subordinate: Emphasizes a lower rank or dependence on someone else.
auxiliary: Describes something that provides extra support rather than leading.
derivative: Emphasizes coming from an existing source rather than being original.