v.intr. (often foll. by from) 1 come up or out into view, esp. when formerly concealed. 2 come up out of a liquid. 3 (of facts, circumstances, etc.) come to light, become known, esp. as a result of inquiry etc. 4 become recognized or prominent (emerged as a leading contender). 5 (of a question, difficulty, etc.) become apparent. 6 survive (an ordeal etc.) with a specified result (emerged unscathed). emergence n.
[ L emergere emers- (as E-, mergere dip) ]