adj. & n.
--adj.
1. occurring immediately (gives an instant result).
2 a (of food etc.) ready for immediate use, with little or no preparation. b prepared hastily and with little effort (I have no instant solution).
3 urgent; pressing.
4 Commerce of the current month (the 6th instant).
5 archaic of the present moment.
--n.
1. a precise moment of time, esp. the present (come here this instant; went that instant; told you the instant I heard).
2 a short space of time (was there in an instant; not an instant too soon).
Phrases and idioms:
instant replay the immediate repetition of part of a filmed sports event, often in slow motion.
Etymology: ME f. F f. L instare instant- be present, press upon (as IN-(2), stare stand)