The term FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD can be used to describe a variety of different concepts. In the context of this crossword, the solutions are ORDINALS (8 letters), BASES (5 letters), and GEARS (5 letters). Ordinals refer to the order of something, such as first, second, and third place in a race. Bases refer to the foundation or starting point of something, such as the first, second, and third base in baseball. Finally, gears refer to the components of a machine that work together to create motion, such as the first, second, and third gear of a car.