/kon"si kwens', -kweuhns/ , n.
1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.
2. an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.
3. the conclusion reached by a line of reasoning; inference.
4. importance or significance: a matter of no consequence.
5. importance in rank or position; distinction: a man of great consequence in art.
6. in consequence , consequently; as a result; hence: He withdrew from the world, and in consequence was forgotten.
7. in consequence of , as a result of; on account of: A trial was held in consequence of the investigation.
[ 1350-1400; ME ( consequentia. See CONSEQUENT, -ENCE ]
Syn. 1. outcome, issue, upshot, sequel. See effect. 4. moment, weight. See importance .
Ant. 1. cause.