thirdhand

[ thurd-hand ]

adjective

1. previously used or owned by two successive people.
2. (loosely) secondhand, especially in poor condition.
3. obtained through two intermediates successively; twice removed from the original source.

adverb

1. after two other users or owners:

   He bought the guitar thirdhand.

2. by way of several intermediate sources; indirectly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirdhand¹

First recorded in 1545–55; third + hand

Example Sentences

Merianos says that NNK and nicotine were still detected in homes with voluntary indoor smoking bans, which highlights the persistence of thirdhand smoke pollutants on surfaces in children's homes.

From Science Daily

"Nicotine reacts on surfaces to create a particularly nasty set of compounds called nitrosamines, which is where the real concern from thirdhand smoke that is left behind comes from," she said.

From Science Daily

Ford said he “certainly did not” approve of the relationship between his daughter and Hagans, which he heard about second- or thirdhand because the woman didn’t tell him about it.

From Seattle Times

It is an article of faith among data experts and the Census Bureau itself that data obtained directly from people are more reliable than secondhand or thirdhand data from other sources.

From New York Times

The invitation came thirdhand, and the details were murky but intriguing.

From Scientific American