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instant's - 1 dictionary results
in·stant     (ĭn'stənt)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
  1. An almost imperceptible space of time. See Synonyms at moment.
  2. A particular or precise time: at the instant of combustion.
  3. Abbr. inst. The current month: your letter of the 15th instant.
  4. A food or beverage designed for quick preparation.

adj.  
  1. Occurring at once; immediate: instant gratification.
  2. Imperative; urgent: an instant need.
  3. Now under consideration; present.
    1. Commercially prepared or processed for quick and easy final preparation: an instant cake mix.
    2. Readily soluble in water: instant coffee; instant powdered milk.
    3. Appearing, done, or taking place with or as if with maximum quickness and ease: "She had the gift of instant intimacy" (Sylvia Jukes Morris).

adv.   At once; instantly.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin īnstāns, īnstant-, present, present participle of īnstāre, to approach : in-, on; see in-2 + stāre, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]

in'stant·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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