awn, second (of time)

秒 is composed of 禾 (grain, rice) and 少 (few). 少 is a pictograph of four tiny particles, implying smallness. Thus, 秒 refers to the tiniest part of a rice plant, specifically the awn or bristle of the grain. Originally, 秒 meant the awn of rice, but it later came to be used as a unit of time, representing a very short duration.