instant

/ˈin(t)-stənt/

Middle English, "moment, point of time," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin instant-, instans, noun derivative of Late Latin instant-, instans, adjective, "present, current"

noun

  1. an infinitesimal space of time; especially : a point in time separating two states

  2. the present or current month

adjective

  1. produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease

  2. immediate, direct

  3. premixed or precooked for easy final preparation

noun

  1. a means or system for transmitting electronic messages instantly