Main Entry: ¹-ant

Function: noun suffix

Etymology: 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

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>