a. [ L. emergens, p. pr. of emergere. ] 1. Rising or emerging out of a fluid or anything that covers or conceals; issuing; coming to light. [ 1913 Webster ] The mountains huge appear emergent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Suddenly appearing; arising unexpectedly; calling for prompt action; urgent. [ 1913 Webster ] Protection granted in emergent danger. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] Emergent year (Chron.), the epoch or date from which any people begin to compute their time or dates; as, the emergent year of Christendom is that of the birth of Christ; the emergent year of the United States is that of the declaration of their independence. -- E*mer"gent*ly, adv. -- E*mer"gent*ness, n. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] |