Moment

/momən(ʔ)/ · noun

Meaning

A particular point, or relatively small region..

Definitions by Sense

1. A particular point, or relatively small region.
2. A brief, unspecified amount of time.
3. (figurative) Weight or importance.
4. (physics, mechanics) Ellipsis of moment of force.
5. (historical, unit) A definite period of time, specifically one-tenth of a point, or one-fortieth or one-fiftieth of an hour.
6. (neurology, informal) A petit mal episode; such a spell.
7. (colloquial) A fit; a brief tantrum.
8. (mathematics) An infinitesimal change in a varying quantity; an increment or decrement.

Example Sentences

Wait a moment, while I lock the front door.

Then came a maid with hand-bag and shawls, and after her a tall young lady. She stood for a moment holding her skirt above the grimy steps,[…], and the light of the reflector fell full upon her.

Sophia broke down here. Even at this moment she was subconsciously comparing her rendering of the part of the forlorn bride with Miss Marie Lohr's.

Swearing doesn't just mean what we now understand by "dirty words". It is entwined, in social and linguistic history, with the other sort of swearing: vows and oaths. Consider for a moment the origins of almost any word we have for bad language – "profanity", "curses", "oaths" and "swearing" itself.

In deep designs, in matter of great moment, / No less importing than our general good.

However, upon a ſtrict Review, I blotted out ſeveral Paſſages of leſs Moment which were in my firſt Copy, for fear of being cenſured as tedious and trifling, whereof Travellers are often, perhaps not without Juſtice, accuſed.

The document in question is of such immense importance that its publication might very easily – I might almost say probably – lead to European complications of the utmost moment.

As to any suggestion that Stroudley's engines were not free-running at high speed, this was of little moment with 60 m.p.h. laid down as the limit at that time.

Synonyms for moment

Antonyms for moment

Related Words

Word Forms

• moments

Usage Notes

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