instant
in·stant (ĭnʹstənt)n. 1. An almost imperceptible space of time. See Synonyms at moment. 2. A particular or precise time: at the instant of combustion. 3. Abbr. inst. The current month: your letter of the 15th instant. 4. A food or beverage designed for quick preparation.adj. 1. Occurring at once; immediate: instant gratification. 2. Imperative; urgent: an instant need. 3. Now under consideration; present. 4. a. Commercially prepared or processed for quick and easy final preparation: an instant cake mix. b. Readily soluble in water: instant coffee; instant powdered milk. c. Appearing, done, or taking place with or as if with maximum quickness and ease: “She had the gift of instant intimacy” (Sylvia Jukes Morris). adv. At once; instantly. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin īnstāns, īnstant-, present, present participle of īnstāre, to approach : in-, on; see in-2 + stāre, to stand; See stā- in Indo-European Roots.] inʹstant·ness n.
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