a. [ Cf. F. assistant, p. pr. of assister. ] 1. Helping; lending aid or support; auxiliary. [ 1913 Webster ]

Genius and learning . . . are mutually and greatly assistant to each other. Beattie. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mil.) Of the second grade in the staff of the army; as, an assistant surgeon. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In the English army it designates the third grade in any particular branch of the staff. Farrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, assists; a helper; an auxiliary; a means of help. [ 1913 Webster ]

Four assistants who his labor share. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

Rhymes merely as assistants to memory. Mrs. Chapone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An attendant; one who is present. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a manner to give aid. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. (Law) a person who attests to the genuineness of a document or signature by adding their own signature.
Syn. -- witness. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. circumstans. See Circumstance. ] Standing or placed around; surrounding. [ R. ] “Circumstant bodies.” Sir K. Digby. [ 1913 Webster ]

pos>a. Capable of being circumstantiated. [ Obs. ] Jer Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to an essential; -- generally in the plural; as, the circumstantials of religion. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. circonstanciel. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents. [ 1913 Webster ]

The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. Paley. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential. [ 1913 Webster ]

We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular. [ 1913 Webster ]

Tedious and circumstantial recitals. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

Circumstantial evidence (Law), evidence obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption. According to some authorities circumstantial is distinguished from positive evidence in that the latter is the testimony of eyewitnesses to a fact or the admission of a party; but the prevalent opinion now is that all such testimony is dependent on circumstances for its support. All testimony is more or less circumstantial. Wharton.

Syn. -- See Minute. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state, characteristic, or quality of being circumstantial; particularity or minuteness of detail. “I will endeavor to describe with sufficient circumstantiality.” De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. In respect to circumstances; not essentially; accidentally. [ 1913 Webster ]

Of the fancy and intellect, the powers are only circumstantially different. Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In every circumstance or particular; minutely. [ 1913 Webster ]

To set down somewhat circumstantially, not only the events, but the manner of my trials. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Circumstantiated p. pr. & vb. n. Circumstantiating ] [ See Circumstantiating (&unr_;). ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To place in particular circumstances; to invest with particular accidents or adjuncts. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If the act were otherwise circumstantiated, it might will that freely which now it wills reluctantly. Bramhall. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To prove or confirm by circumstances; to enter into details concerning. [ 1913 Webster ]

Neither will time permint to circumstantiate these particulars, which I have only touched in the general. State Trials (1661). [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Happening at the same instant. C. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. onstans, -antis, p. pr. of constare to stand firm, to be consistent; con- + stare to stand: cf. F. constant. See Stand and cf. Cost, v. t. ] 1. Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; -- opposed to fluid. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle. Opposite of changeable and variable. [ 1913 Webster ]

Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am constant to my purposes. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

His gifts, his constant courtship, nothing gained. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Onward the constant current sweeps. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Math. & Physics) Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Consistent; logical. [ Obs. ] Shak.

Syn. -- Fixed; steadfast; unchanging; permanent; unalterable; immutable; invariable; perpetual; continual; resolute; firm; unshaken; determined. -- Constant, Continual, Perpetual. These words are sometimes used in an absolute and sometimes in a qualified sense. Constant denotes, in its absolute sense, unchangeably fixed; as, a constant mind or purpose. In its qualified sense, it marks something as a “standing” fact or occurence; as, liable to constant interruptions; constantly called for. Continual, in its absolute sense, coincides with continuous. See Continuous. In its qualified sense, it describes a thing as occuring in steady and rapid succession; as, a round of continual calls; continually changing. Perpetual denotes, in its absolute sense, what literally never ceases or comes to an end; as, perpetual motion. In its qualified sense, it is used hyperbolically, and denotes that which rarely ceases; as, perpetual disturbance; perpetual noise; perpetual intermeddling. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used in countradistinction to variable. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Astron.) A number whose value, when ascertained (as by observation) and substituted in a general mathematical formula expressing an astronomical law, completely determines that law and enables predictions to be made of its effect in particular cases. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. (Physics) A number expressing some property or condition of a substance or of an instrument of precision; as, the dielectric constant of quartz; the collimation constant of a transit instrument. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

5. (Computers) a data structure that does not change during the course of execution of a program. It may be a number, a string, or a more complex data structure; -- contrasted with variable. [ PJC ]

Aberration constant, or
Constant of aberration (Astron.), a number which by substitution in the general formula for aberration enables a prediction to be made of the effect of aberration on a star anywhere situated. Its value is 20″.47. --
Absolute constant (Math.), one whose value is absolutely the same under all circumstances, as the number 10, or any numeral. --
Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a differential equation having the same value during all changes in the values of the variables. --
Gravitation constant (Physics), the acceleration per unit of time produced by the attraction of a unit of mass at unit distance. When this is known the acceleration produced at any distance can be calculated. --
Solar constant (Astron.), the quantity of heat received by the earth from the sun in a unit of time. It is, on the C. G. S. system, 0.0417 small calories per square centimeter per second. Young. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] --
Constant of integration (Math.), an undetermined constant added to every result of integration. [ 1913 Webster + Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. a copper-nickel alloy composed of approximately 55 per cent copper and 45 per cent nickel, with high electrical resistance and a low temperature coefficient; it is used as resistance wire and in thermocouples. It has a resistance factor ρ of 44.1 x 10-6 ohm-cm at 0° C, in comparison to the value 1.71 x 10-6 ohm-cm for pure copper and 7.8 x 10-6 ohm-cm for pure nickel. It is similar to the alloy Eureka, which has a ρ = 47 x 10-6 ohm-cm. Handbook of Ch. 61. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

n. A superior wine, white and red, from Constantia, in South Africa. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

prop. n. the former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire; it was built on the site of ancient Byzantium, and the name was changed to Istanbul by the Turks.
Syn. -- Istanbul, Stambul, Stamboul. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

The name change was the subject of a humorous song in the 1950's "Istanbul (not Constantinople)":

 Artists: The Four Lads -- peak Billboard position # 10 in 1953 -- Words by Jimmy Kennedy and Music by Nat Simon -- (C) Chappell & Co. Istanbul was Constantinople Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople Been a long time gone, Constantinople Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night Every gal in Constantinople Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople So if you've a date in Constantinople She'll be waiting in Istanbul Even old New York Was once New Amsterdam Why they changed it I can't say People just liked it better that way Take me back to Constantinople No, you can't go back to Constantinople Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople Why did Constantinople get the works? That's nobody's business but the Turks' 

adv. With constancy; steadily; continually; perseveringly; without cessation; uniformly. [ 1913 Webster ]

But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Acts. xii. 15. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. consubstantialis; con- + substantialis: cf. F. consubstantiel. See Substantial. ] Of the same kind or nature; having the same substance or essence; coessential. [ 1913 Webster ]

Christ Jesus . . . coeternal and consubstantial with the Father and with the Holy Ghost. Foxe. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The doctrine of consubstantiation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who believes in consubstantiation. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. consubstantialité. ] Participation of the same nature; coexistence in the same substance. “His [ the Son's ] . . . consubstantiality with the Father.” Hammend. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a consubstantial manner; with identity of substance or nature. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Consubstantiated; p. pr. & vb. n. Consubstantiating. ] To cause to unite, or to regard as united, in one common substance or nature. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

His soul must be consubstantiated with reason. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To profess or belive the doctrine of consubstantion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The consubstantiating church and priest. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Partaking of the same substance; united; consubstantial. [ 1913 Webster ]

We must love her [ the wife ] that is thus consubstantiate with us. Feltham. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. An identity or union of substance. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Theol.) The actual, substantial presence of the body of Christ with the bread and wine of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper; impanation; -- opposed to transubstantiation. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This view, held by Luther himself, was called consubstantiation by non Lutheran writers in contradistinction to transsubstantiation, the Catholic view. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. contestant. ] One who contests; an opponent; a litigant; a disputant; one who claims that which has been awarded to another. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ F., fr. L. distans, -antis, p. pr. of distare to stand apart, be separate or distant; dis- + stare to stand. See Stand. ] 1. Separated; having an intervening space; at a distance; away. [ 1913 Webster ]

One board had two tenons, equally distant. Ex. xxxvi. 22. [ 1913 Webster ]

Diana's temple is not distant far. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Far separated; far off; not near; remote; -- in place, time, consanguinity, or connection; as, distant times; distant relatives. [ 1913 Webster ]

The success of these distant enterprises. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Reserved or repelling in manners; cold; not cordial; somewhat haughty; as, a distant manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

He passed me with a distant bow. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Indistinct; faint; obscure, as from distance. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some distant knowledge. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

A distant glimpse. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Not conformable; discrepant; repugnant; as, a practice so widely distant from Christianity.

Syn. -- Separate; far; remote; aloof; apart; asunder; slight; faint; indirect; indistinct. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Distant. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

More distantial from the eye. W. Montagu. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. At a distance; remotely; with reserve. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. aequidistans, -antis; aequus equal + distans distant: cf. F. équidistant. ] Being at an equal distance from the same point or thing. -- E`qui*dis"tant*ly, adv. Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]

adj. Not able to burn or able to burn only with difficulty. [ Narrower terms: noncombustible (vs. combustible), incombustible ]
Syn. -- fireproof. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. gestans, p. pr. of gestare. ] Bearing within; laden; burdened; pregnant. [ R. ] “Clouds gestant with heat.” Mrs. Browning. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. inconstans: cf. F. inconstant. See In- not, and Constant. ] Not constant; not stable or uniform; subject to change of character, appearance, opinion, inclination, or purpose, etc.; not firm; unsteady; fickle; changeable; variable; -- said of persons or things; as, inconstant in love or friendship. “The inconstant moon.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

While we, inquiring phantoms of a day,
Inconstant as the shadows we survey! Boyse.

Syn. -- Mutable; fickle; volatile; unsteady; unstable; changeable; variable; wavering; fluctuating. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an inconstant manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Not equally distant; not equidistant. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. inexistant. See 1st Inexistent. ] Inexistent; nonexistent; not existing. [ Obs. ] Gudworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. instans, -antis, p. pr. of instare to stand upon, to press upon; pref. in- in, on + stare to stand: cf. F. instant. See Stand. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Pressing; urgent; importunate; earnest. [ 1913 Webster ]

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Rom. xii. 12. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am beginning to be very instant for some sort of occupation. Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Closely pressing or impending in respect to time; not deferred; immediate; without delay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Impending death is thine, and instant doom. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Present; current. [ 1913 Webster ]

The instant time is always the fittest time. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The word in this sense is now used only in dates, to indicate the current month; as, the tenth of July instant. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. Instantly. [ Poetic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Instant he flew with hospitable haste. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. instant, fr. L. instans standing by, being near, present. See Instant, a. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A point in time; a moment; a portion of time too short to be estimated; also, any particular moment; as, the situation may change in an instant. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

There is scarce an instant between their flourishing and their not being. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A day of the present or current month; as, the sixth instant; -- an elliptical expression equivalent to the sixth of the month instant, i. e., the current month. See Instant, a., 3.

Syn. -- Moment; flash; second. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. instantanéité. ] Quality of being instantaneous. Shenstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. instantané. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Done or occurring in an instant, or without any perceptible duration of time; as, the passage of electricity appears to be instantaneous. [ 1913 Webster ]

His reason saw
With instantaneous view, the truth of things. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. At or during a given instant; as, instantaneous acceleration, velocity, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Instantaneous center of rotation (Kinematics), in a plane or in a plane figure which has motions both of translation and of rotation in the plane, is the point which for the instant is at rest. --
Instantaneous axis of rotation (Kinematics), in a body which has motions both of translation and rotation, is a line, which is supposed to be rigidly united with the body, and which for the instant is at rest. The motion of the body is for the instant simply that of rotation about the instantaneous axis.

-- In`stan*ta"ne*ous*ly, adv. -- In`stan*ta"ne*ous*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖adv. [ L., vehemently, earnestly. See Instant, n. & a. ] Immediately; instantly; at once; as, he left instanter. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. Without the least delay or interval; at once; immediately. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. With urgency or importunity; earnestly; pressingly. “They besought him instantly.” Luke vii. 4.

Syn. -- Directly; immediately; at once. See Directly. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Unsubstantial; not real or strong. “Insubstantial pageant.” [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Unsubstantiality; unreality. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖ [ L. ] 1. Notwithstanding; in opposition to, or in spite of, what has been stated, or is to be stated or admitted. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) A clause in old English statutes and letters patent, importing a license from the crown to do a thing notwithstanding any statute to the contrary. This dispensing power was abolished by the Bill of Rights. [ 1913 Webster ]

In this very reign [ Henry III. ] the practice of dispensing with statutes by a non obstante was introduced. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

Non obstante veredicto [ LL. ] (Law), a judgment sometimes entered by order of the court, for the plaintiff, notwithstanding a verdict for the defendant. Stephen. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Making no resistance. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who maintains that no resistance should be made to constituted authority, even when unjustly or oppressively exercised; one who advocates or practices absolute submission. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who holds that violence should never be resisted by force; especially, a reformer who believes in passive resistance.
Syn. -- passive resister. [ WordNet 1.5 ]