SEC
What Does SEC Mean?
SEC means "Second" and "Securities and Exchange Commission." Here is more information about each of these definitions of SEC, with examples of use.Second
In general chat, including in text messaging and on social media, sec usually means "second," which is the shortest measurement of time in general use. However, although it is an abbreviation of the word "second," it usually means a much larger period of time. For example:
- I was only gone a sec! (A famous excuse for negligence.)
- I'll be there in a sec. (A famous excuse for impunctuality.)
- I'll be back in just a sec. (A highly improbable statement.)
- Milliseconds (ms): One thousandth of a second (0.001 second).
- Microseconds (µs): One millionth of a second (0.000001 second).
- Nanoseconds (ns): One billionth of a second (0.000000001 second).
- Picoseconds (ps): One trillionth of a second (0.000000000001 second).
- Femtoseconds (fs): One quadrillionth of a second (0.000000000000001 second).
- Attoseconds (as): One quintillionth of a second (0.000000000000000001 second).
Securities and Exchange Commission
In a financial context, SEC means "Securities and Exchange Commission." It is a US federal agency responsible for enforcing federal securities laws and regulating the securities industry, including stock and options exchanges. Established by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in the aftermath of the Great Depression, its primary mission is to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitate capital formation.
Image for SEC
When I write SEC, I mean this:
"SEC" is a US federal agency, while "sec" is usually a brief period of time.
Summary of Key Points for the First Definition
"Second" is the most common definition for sec on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.| SEC | |
|---|---|
| Definition: | Second |
| Type: | Abbreviation |
| Guessability: |  1: Easy to guess |
| Typical Users: |  Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s |
Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition
"Securities and Exchange Commission" is a common definition for SEC in financial circles.| SEC | |
|---|---|
| Definition: | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| Type: | Abbreviation |
| Guessability: |  4: Difficult to guess |
| Typical Users: |  Specialists |
An Academic Look at SEC
When used to mean "second," sec is a shortened version of the actual word, therefore it is a contraction. Contractions can be formed in a number of ways, including:
- Omitting letters from the word (e.g., pct (percent), obv (obviously)).
- Using letters from the start and end of the word (e.g., adds, Dr (Doctor)).
- Using an apostrophe to replace a letter or letters (e.g., don't (do not), can't (cannot)).
Example of SEC Used in a Text
This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.
Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
- Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
See Also
Search All Abbreviations Beginning With The Letter S List of Cryptocurrency Terms ASN (any second now) BBIAS (be back in a second) IAS (in a second) JAS (just a second) MILLENNIAL PAUSE (split-second pause at beginning of video to ensure camera is recording)Quiz
Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
- This test has questions.
- A correct answer is worth 5 points.
- You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
- Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
- Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
- 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)
