I. ˈinztənt, ˈin(t)stə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Middle French, from instant, adjective
1.
a. : an infinitesimal space of time : a point of time
came not an instant too soon
especially : a point without temporal duration separating two states each with temporal duration
at the instant of death
b. : a point of time present or regarded as present in respect to a particular context : moment
the instant we met
come here this instant
the instant she opened her eyes
2. : the present or current month
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin instant-, instans, from present participle of instare to stand upon, press upon, urge, from in- in- (II) + stare to stand — more at stand
1. : insistent , importunate , pressing , urgent
instant in argument
2.
a. : present , current
the instant case being tried
b. : of or occurring in the present month — abbr. inst.
received your letter of the 10th inst.
— compare proximo , ultimo
3. : closely pressing in respect to time
running an instant risk of suffocating
4. : immediate , direct
the instant dependence of form upon soul — R.W.Emerson
5.
a. : premixed or precooked for easy final preparation
instant cake mix
instant mashed potatoes
b. : immediately soluble in water
instant coffee
Synonyms: see pressing
III. adverb
: at once : instantly
IV. adjective
1. : appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form
instant culture
2. : produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
what the technology of communications now offers us — instant knowledge on the one hand, and instant boredom … on the other — Arlene Croce
there are always lots of chicks around for instant sex — Barbara A. Bannon