/ ˈɪnstənt; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
[ usually before noun ] happening immediately
SYN immediate :
She took an instant dislike to me.
This account gives you instant access to your money.
The show was an instant success.
2.
[ only before noun ] ( of food ) that can be made quickly and easily, usually by adding hot water :
instant coffee
■ noun [ usually sing. ]
1.
a very short period of time
SYN moment :
I'll be back in an instant.
Just for an instant I thought he was going to refuse.
2.
a particular point in time :
At that (very) instant, the door opened.
I recognized her the instant (that) (= as soon as) I saw her.
Come here this instant ! (= immediately)
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin instant- being at hand, from the verb instare , from in- in, at + stare to stand.