Define "secondary source".

A secondary source is any document or recording that analyzes, interprets, or discusses information from primary sources. Primary sources are original materials, such as eyewitness accounts, historical documents, or artifacts, created at the time of the event. In contrast, secondary sources, like textbooks or articles, take that raw information and provide context, commentary, or analysis based on it.

For instance, a history textbook that discusses a significant battle would rely on primary sources, such as letters, diaries from soldiers, or official military reports. The textbook does not present the original accounts but instead synthesizes them to provide a broader understanding. This makes secondary sources essential for research and education, as they help in processing and interpreting the wealth of information derived from primary accounts.