I. ˈin(t)-stənt noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin instant-, instans, from instant-, instans, adjective, instant, from Latin
Date: 14th century
1. : an infinitesimal space of time ; especially : a point in time separating two states
at the instant of death
2. : the present or current month
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin instant-, instans, from present participle of instare to stand upon, urge, from in- + stare to stand — more at stand
Date: 15th century
1. : importunate , urgent
2.
a. : present , current
previous felonies not related to the instant crime
b. : of or occurring in the present month — abbreviation inst
3. : immediate , direct
the play was an instant success
4.
a.
(1) : premixed or precooked for easy final preparation
instant pudding
(2) : appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form
instant poetry
b. : immediately soluble in water
instant coffee
5. : produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
• in·stant·ness noun