English Explanatory Dictionary

instantiation

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The production of an instance, example, or specific application of a general classification, principle, theory, etc.
  2. Something resulting from the act of instantiating; an instance.
  3. A creation of an instance of some class or template.

Pronunciation

/ɪnˌstænʃiˈeɪʃən/

Word forms

instantiation instantiations

Etymology

A coinage of the twentieth century, from instantiate + -ion, itself coined in 1946 from instance + -ate. The latter, in the sense "a case, an example", from Middle English instance, from Medieval Latin īnstantia (“a being near, presence; also perseverance, earnestness, importunity, urgency”), from Latin īnstāns (“urgent”); see English instant.

Related words

coinstantial coinstantiate instance instancy instant instantaneous instantial instantiate reinstantiate

Derived words

coinstantiation existential instantiation polyinstantiation reinstantiation uninstantiation
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