/'ɪnstənt; `ɪnstənt/
adj
1 [usu attrib 通常作定语] coming or happening at once 立即的; 立刻的
*a new book that was an instant success 一出版就大获成功的新书
* feel instant relief after treatment 医治後随即感到舒服了
* instant hot water, ie as soon as the tap is turned on 瞬间致热的水（一开龙头水就热）.
2 (of food preparations) that can very quickly and easily be made ready for use （指食品的制备）调制快速方便的, 速成的
*instant coffee, ie made by adding hot water or milk to a powder 速溶咖啡.
3 (abbr 缩写 inst) (dated commerce 旧, 商) (after dates 用于日期之後) of the present month 本月的
*in reply to your letter of the 9th inst 兹覆本月9日来函.
4 [attrib 作定语] (fml 文) urgent 紧急的; 急迫的
*attend to sb's instant needs 满足某人紧急的需要
* in instant need of help 在需要紧急援助时.

/'ɪnstənt; `ɪnstənt/
n (esp sing 尤作单数)
1 precise point of time 当时
*Come here this instant! ie at once! 马上到这里来!
* He left (at) that (very) instant. 他立刻离开了.
* leave on the instant of six o'clock, ie not a second later than six 六时整离开
* I recognized her the instant (that) (ie as soon as) I saw her. 我一眼就认出是她.
2 short space of time; moment 顷刻; 刹那; 瞬间; 片刻
*I shall be back in an instant. 我马上就回来.
* Help came not an instant too soon. 援助来得正是时候.
* Just for an instant I thought he was going to refuse. 我脑中有一闪念, 以为他要拒绝了.