instancy

noun

in·​stan·​cy ˈin(t)-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce instancy (audio)
plural instancies
1
2
: nearness of approach : imminence
3
: immediacy of occurrence or action : instantaneousness

Word History

Etymology

inst(ant) entry 2 + -ancy

First Known Use

1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instancy was in 1515

Dictionary Entries Near instancy

Cite this Entry

“Instancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instancy. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on instancy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!