SINCE 1828

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pendent

adjective pen·dent \ ˈpen-dənt \

variants: or pendant

Updated on: 18 Mar 2018

Definition of pendent

1 : jutting or leaning over : overhanging

a pendent cliff

2 : supported from above : suspended

icicles pendent from the eaves

3 : remaining undetermined : pending

See pendent defined for English-language learners

See pendent defined for kids

Examples of pendent in a Sentence

the dining area is lit by tasteful pendent lamps over the tables

Recent Examples of pendent from the Web

His distinctive speech-music, though a little rougher and breathier these days, has not altered, a shapely sequence of rhythmic, pendent clauses that resolve in a bassless but confiding growl.

— james parker, The Atlantic, "Blue Planet II," 10 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pendent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pendent

Middle English pendaunt

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

pendent Synonyms

Synonyms

dangling, dependent, hanging, pendulous, suspended;

Related Words

drooping, flagging, lolling, sagging, wilting;

PENDENT Defined for English Language Learners

pendent

adjective

Definition of pendent for English Language Learners

: hanging down from above

Law Dictionary

pendent

adjective pen·dent \ ˈpen-dənt \

legal Definition of pendent

1 : remaining undetermined : pending 1

a pendent suit

2 : of, relating to, or being the basis of pendent jurisdiction or pendent party jurisdiction

the Supreme Court drew a sharp distinction between pendent claims and pendent parties
—National Law Journal

3 : dependent 1

is pendent upon another claim

Origin and Etymology of pendent

Middle French pendant suspended, present participle of pendre to hang, ultimately from Latin pendēre

Learn More about pendent

See words that rhyme with pendent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pendent Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pendent

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Examples: pendent in a Sentence