-ant

¹-ant

noun suffix

Definition of -ANT

1

a : one that performs (a specified action) : personal or impersonal agent <claimant> <coolant> b : thing that promotes (a specified action or process) <expectorant>

2

: one connected with <annuitant>

3

: thing acted upon (in a specified manner) <inhalant>

Origin of -ANT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from -ant, present participle suffix, from Latin -ant-, -ans, present participle suffix of first conjugation, from -a- (stem vowel of first conjugation) + -nt-, -ns, present participle suffix; akin to Old English -nde, present participle suffix, Greek -nt-, -n, participle suffix