pendent

adjective

pen·​dent ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce pendent (audio)
variants or pendant
1
: jutting or leaning over : overhanging
a pendent cliff
2
: supported from above : suspended
icicles pendent from the eaves
3
: remaining undetermined : pending

Examples of pendent in a Sentence

the dining area is lit by tasteful pendent lamps over the tables
Recent Examples on 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, 10 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pendent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pendaunt

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pendent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pendent

Cite this Entry

“Pendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pendent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pendent

adjective
pen·​dent
variants or pendant
1
: sticking out or hanging over
2
: supported from above
3

Legal Definition

pendent

adjective
pen·​dent
ˈpen-dənt
1
: remaining undetermined : pending sense 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 partiesNational Law Journal
3
: dependent sense 1
is pendent upon another claim
Etymology

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

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