sec

n. [ See Secant. ] A cutting; an intersection; as, the point of secancy of one line by another. [ R. ] Davies & Peck (Math. Dict.). [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. secans, -antis, p. pr. of secare to cut. See Section. ] Cutting; dividing into two parts; as, a secant line. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. sécante. See Secant, a. ] 1. (Geom.) A line that cuts another; especially, a straight line cutting a curve in two or more points. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Trig.) A right line drawn from the center of a circle through one end of a circular arc, and terminated by a tangent drawn from the other end; the number expressing the ratio of this line to the radius of the circle. See Trigonometrical function, under Function. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖a. [ It. ] Dry. [ 1913 Webster ]

Secco painting, or
Painting in secco, painting on dry plaster, as distinguished from fresco painting, which is on wet or fresh plaster. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Seceded; p. pr. & vb. n. Seceding. ] [ L. secedere, secessum; pref se- aside + cedere to go, move. See Cede. ] To withdraw from fellowship, communion, or association; to separate one's self by a solemn act; to draw off; to retire; especially, to withdraw from a political or religious body. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who secedes. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a numerous body of Presbyterians in Scotland who seceded from the communion of the Established Church, about the year 1733, and formed the Secession Church, so called. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Secerned p. pr. & vb. n. Secerning. ] [ L. secernere. See Secrete. ] 1. To separate; to distinguish. [ 1913 Webster ]

Averroes secerns a sense of titillation, and a sense of hunger and thirst. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physiol.) To secrete; as, mucus secerned in the nose. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. secernens, p. pr. ] (Physiol.) Secreting; secretory. [ 1913 Webster ]