second-line
Not first choice
Second-line refers to the distinctive style of parade and music originating in New Orleans jazz funerals, where the "second line" of dancers follows behind the main brass band, dancing with parasols and handkerchiefs.
The term extends to the syncopated rhythmic pattern characteristic of this tradition: a second-line beat, second-line drumming.
In medical contexts, second-line describes backup treatments used when initial therapies fail: second-line antibiotics, second-line chemotherapy.
Resources held back
- alternateOccur in succession
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
auxiliary · standby · substitute · replacement · spare · understudy · relief · bench
Handheld rain shelter
- handkerchiefPocket cloth for sniffles
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- tromboneSlide-operated brass instrument
- trumpetValved brass wind instrument
saxophone · drumming · dance · celebration · marching · beads · tradition · joyous
Return to former illness
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
- immunotherapyDisease treatment via body's defenses
- remissionTemporary disease absence
- oncologyCancer medicine specialty
Stored duplicate for recovery
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
- ticketingIssuing entry passes
- helpdeskTechnical assistance service
technical · specialists · advanced · diagnostics · resolution · expertise · knowledgebase · triage
reserves
Resources held back
- alternateOccur in succession
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- contingencyUncertain possible event
reinforcement · auxiliary · standby · substitute · replacement · spare · understudy · relief · bench · succession
umbrella
Handheld rain shelter
- handkerchiefPocket cloth for sniffles
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- tromboneSlide-operated brass instrument
trumpet · saxophone · drumming · dance · celebration · marching · beads · tradition · joyous · processional
relapse
Return to former illness
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
- immunotherapyDisease treatment via body's defenses
- remissionTemporary disease absence
backup
Stored duplicate for recovery
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
- ticketingIssuing entry passes
helpdesk · technical · specialists · advanced · diagnostics · resolution · expertise · knowledgebase · triage · referral
second-linefirst-line
Tried before alternatives
primary · front-line · initial · preferred · standard
second-lineprimary
Chief in importance
first-line · main · lead · principal · front-line
second, line, secondly, seconds, seconded, seconding, secondary, lines, lined