Definition: emergent

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

emergent
     adj : coming into existence; "a nascent republic" [syn: emerging,
            nascent]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Emergent \E*mer"gent\, 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.

            The mountains huge appear emergent.   --Milton.

   2. Suddenly appearing; arising unexpectedly; calling for
      prompt action; urgent.

            Protection granted in emergent danger. --Burke.

   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.]