Main Entry:

in·stan·ta·neous

Pronunciation:

\ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs, -nyəs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Medieval Latin instantaneus, from instant-, instans, noun

Date:

1651

1 : done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time <death was instantaneous> 2 : done without any delay being purposely introduced <took instantaneous corrective action > 3 : occurring or present at a particular instant <instantaneous velocity>

— in·stan·ta·ne·i·ty \ˌin-ˌstan-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē, ˌin(t)-stən-tə-ˈnē-\ noun

— in·stan·ta·neous·ly \ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs-lē, -nyəs-lē\ adverb

— in·stan·ta·neous·ness noun