Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. 1 A medal made of, or having the colour of, silver, used as a prize for finishing in second place 2 (context by extension English) Finishing in second position, being a runner-up
WordNet
n. a medal made of silver (or having the appearance of silver) that is usually awarded for winning second place in a competition [syn: silver]
Wikipedia
A silver medal in sports and other similar areas involving competition is a medal made of, or plated with, silver awarded to the second-place finisher, or runner-up, of contests or competitions such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The outright winner receives a gold medal and the third place a bronze medal. More generally, silver is traditionally a metal sometimes used for all types of high-quality medals, including artistic ones.
The Silver Medal of the Zoological Society of London is "Awarded to a Fellow of the Society or any other person for contributions to the understanding and appreciation of zoology, including such activities as public education in natural history, and wildlife conservation." It was first awarded in 1847.
Usage examples of "silver medal".
He had found it in the same officers' mess that had already yielded his silver medal and several other items.
She was far ahead in that contest, and her score on the beam had kept her respectably close with an outside chance for a silver medal in the overall gymnastic competition.
I intended to keep the vow until I was awarded that little silver medal.
Craig Heap, who will return to his studies in architecture, is given the silver medal.