instantaneous

in·stan·ta·neous

adj \ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs, -nyəs\

Definition of INSTANTANEOUS

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

Examples of INSTANTANEOUS

1. We got an almost instantaneous response from the company.
2. <the thunder following the flash of lightning was nearly instantaneous>

Origin of INSTANTANEOUS

Medieval Latin instantaneus, from instant-, instans, noun

First Known Use: 1651

Related to INSTANTANEOUS

Synonyms: immediate, instant, split-second, straightaway

Related Words: summary; fast, hit-and-run, prompt, quick, rapid, speedy, swift

Near Antonyms: dilatory, tardy; slow, sluggish; prolonged, protracted; deferred, delayed

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Rhymes with INSTANTANEOUS

miscellaneous, simultaneous, subcutaneous