instant

/ˈɪnstənt/

noun

  1. 1

    A very short period of time; a moment.

    She paused for only an instant, which was just enough time for John to change the subject.
  2. 2

    A single, usually precise, point in time.

    The instant the alarm went off, he fled the building.
  3. 3

    A beverage or food which has been pre-processed to reduce preparation time, especially instant coffee.

noun

  1. 1

    A camera that uses self-developing film to create a chemically developed print shortly after the photograph is taken.

Synonyms

adjective

  1. 1

    Impending; imminent.

  2. 2

    Urgent; pressing; acute.

  3. 3

    Insistent; persistent.

  4. 4

    Present; current; extant.

  5. 5

    Occurring immediately; immediate; present.

  6. 6

    Lasting for a short moment; momentary; short-lived.

  7. 7

    Very quickly and easily prepared.

    instant coffee; instant noodles; instant mashed potato; instant photo
  8. 8

    Of the current month.

    I refer to your letter of the 16th instant in regard to traffic disruption.

adverb

  1. 1

    At once; immediately.

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