[in.stant] n [ME, fr. ML instant-, instans, fr. instant-, instans, adj., instant, fr. L] (14c) 1: an infinitesimal space of time; esp: a point in time separating two states "at the ~ of death"
2: the present or current month
[2]instant adj [ME, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L instant-, instans, fr. prp. of instare to stand upon, urge, fr. in- + stare to stand--more at stand] (15c) 1: importunate, urgent
2. a: present, current "previous felonies not related to the ~ crime" b: of or occurring in the present month
3: immediate, direct "the play was an ~ success"
4. a (1): premixed or precooked for easy final preparation "~ pudding" (2): appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form "~ culture" b: immediately soluble in water "~ coffee"
5: produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease -- in.stant.ness n