n. 1. A period of time so short as to be almost imperceptible. 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. 4. a. Commercially prepared or processed for quick and easy final preparation: an instant cake mix. b. Appearing, done, or taking place with great quickness and ease: "She had the gift of instant intimacy" (Sylvia Jukes Morris). c. Quickly and easily resolved or determined: instant lottery tickets. 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 the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] instant·ness n. |
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