-nsē, -si noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Medieval Latin emergentia, from Latin emergent-, emergens, (present participle of emergere ) + -ia -y
1. : an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
they were far from help when the emergency overtook them
as
a. : a pressing need : exigency
a state of emergency existed during which any help was acceptable
b. : a sudden bodily alteration such as is likely to require immediate medical attention (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock)
c. : a usually distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen
wait until the emergency is over, prices will go down then
an emergency water supply
emergency docking facilities
emergency crews working to clear the roads
2.
[ emerge + -ency ]
archaic : the act or an instance of emerging : emergence 1
3. : the theory of emergent evolution
Synonyms: see juncture