Instantaneous

Instantaneous describes something that occurs or happens immediately, without any delay or noticeable lapse of time. It signifies simultaneity or very rapid action, implying that the event or process unfolds precisely at a specific moment or within a negligible time frame. It is a concept often used in physics, engineering, and everyday scenarios to highlight the swiftness of a phenomenon. The term emphasizes the absence of any duration in which the action is not complete, contrasting with processes that involve time and gradual change.

Instantaneous meaning with examples

• The camera's shutter speed was set to capture the instantaneous flash of lightning during the thunderstorm. The resulting image perfectly froze the moment, capturing the raw energy.
• In a perfectly lossless network, data transmission is practically instantaneous, meaning that the information is received at the other end without any perceptible delay.
• The moment the detective identified the culprit, his recognition was instantaneous; he knew it with unwavering certainty.
• Upon touching the hot stove, her reaction was instantaneous; she jerked her hand back before she felt any pain.
• The collapse of the building was instantaneous; it seemed to disappear into a cloud of dust almost before anyone could react.