adj.
Pronunciation: i- ' m ə r-j ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin emergent-, emergens, present participle of emergere
Date: 1593
1 a : arising unexpectedly b : calling for prompt action : URGENT < emergent danger>
2 a : rising out of or as if out of a fluid < emergent coastal islands> b : rooted in shallow water and having most of its vegetative growth above water <an emergent plant>
3 : arising as a natural or logical consequence
4 : newly formed or prominent < emergent nations>