乙きのと

na-adjective, noun

second in rank; second sign of the Chinese calendar

Refers to the second of the ten heavenly stems (十干), used in the traditional Chinese sexagenary cycle. Often appears in compound terms like 乙丑 (きのとうし) or 乙未 (きのとひつじ). As a standalone word, it is primarily a historical or calendrical term.

• 十じっ干かんの二に番ばん目めは乙きのとです。

  The second of the ten heavenly stems is 乙 (きのと).

• 今年ことしは乙きのと未ひつじの年としです。

  This year is the year of 乙未 (きのとひつじ).