second step; second level; second grade
General term for the second in a sequence of steps, levels, grades, or ranks. Can refer to physical steps, academic grades, martial arts ranks, etc.
I tripped on the second step of the stairs.
He earned his second dan in judo.
second act (in traditional theater)
Used in jōruri, noh, kabuki, and similar traditional performing arts to refer to the second act or part of a performance.
The second act of this kabuki play is especially worth watching.
makushita division (sumo); third highest division
In sumo, the division just below juryo; also refers to a wrestler in that division. Despite the literal meaning 'second step', it is the third highest division in the sumo hierarchy.
See also: 幕下
He is active in the makushita division.
Refers to the third step, level, or act; in sumo, it is the fourth highest division (sandamme).
The sumo division directly above 二段目; 二段目 is the lower part of makushita.
Compound of 二 (ni, 'two') + 段 (dan, 'step/level') + 目 (me, ordinal suffix), literally 'second step/level'.