Inst. Definition

Inst.
abbreviation

1. Institute.
2. Institution.

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inst.
abbreviation

1. Instant, ie of or in the current month (see instant adj 4).

Example: my letter of the 14th inst.

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instant
adj

1. Immediate.

Example: instant success
Thesaurus: immediate, instantaneous, quick, rapid, fast, split-second, direct.
2. Said of food and drink, etc: quickly and easily prepared, especially by reheating or the addition of boiling water.

Example: instant coffee
3. Present; current.
4. Relating to or occurring in the current month.
5. rather formal or old use
Urgent; pressing.

noun

1. A particular moment in time, especially the present.

Example: cannot speak to him at this instant
Example: At that same instant she walked in
2. A very brief period of time.

Example: I'll be there in an instant
Thesaurus: moment, split second, twinkling, jiffy, flash, minute.
3. colloq
An instant drink, especially instant coffee.
Example: We only drink instant as a rule

Derivative: instantly
adverb

old use
At once; immediately. Also this instant andon the instant.
Example: I'll be there instantly
Example: Come here this instant!
Example: The carriage arrived on the instant
Thesaurus: immediately, instantaneously, at once, now, without delay, on the spot, straightaway, pronto, directly, tout de suite.

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin instare to be present.