instantaneous

[ in-stuhn-tey-nee-uhs ]

adjective

1. occurring, done, or completed in an instant:

   an instantaneous response.

   Synonyms: abrupt, sudden, immediate

2. existing at or pertaining to a particular instant:

   the instantaneous position of the rocket.

instantaneous

/ ˌɪnstənˈteɪnɪəs; ɪnˌstæntəˈniːɪtɪ /

adjective

1. occurring with almost no delay; immediate
2. happening or completed within a moment

   instantaneous death

3. maths
   1. occurring at or associated with a particular instant
   2. equal to the limit of the average value of a given variable as the time interval over which the variable is considered approaches zero

      instantaneous velocity

Derived Forms

• ˌinstanˈtaneously, adverb
• ˌinstanˈtaneousness, noun

Other Words From

• in·stan·ta·ne·i·ty [in-stan-tn-, ee, -i-tee, in-st, uh, n-t, uh, -, nee, -], instan·tane·ous·ness noun
• instan·tane·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of instantaneous¹

From the Medieval Latin word instantāneus, dating back to 1645–55. See instant, -an, -eous

Example Sentences

The implosion itself was instantaneous, there would have been no time for the passengers to even register what was happening.

From BBC

“Paul’s death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace.”

From Los Angeles Times

The decision to do it was instantaneous.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s no wonder then that his impact at USC has been so instantaneous.

From Los Angeles Times

The implosion itself was instantaneous, there would have been no time for the passengers to even register what was happening.

From BBC

Related Words

• rapid
• spontaneous
• transitory