presents

pres·ent ¹  (prznt)

n.

1. A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.

2. Grammar

a. The present tense.

b. A verb form in the present tense.

3. presents Law The document or instrument in question: Be it known by these presents.

adj.

1. Existing or happening now; current: the present leader; present trends.

2.

a. Being at hand or in attendance: Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.

b. Existing in something specified: Oxygen is present in the bloodstream.

3. Now being considered; actually here or involved: the present subject; present company excepted.

4. Grammar Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.

5. Archaic Readily available; immediate.

6. Obsolete Alert to circumstances; attentive.

Idioms:

at present

At the present time; right now.

for the present

For the time being; temporarily.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praesns, praesent-, present participle of praeesse, to be present : prae-, pre- + esse, to be; see es- in Indo-European roots.]

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present·ness n.

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pre·sent ²  (pr-znt)

v. pre·sent·ed, pre·sent·ing, pre·sents

v.tr.

1.

a. To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.

b. To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.

2. To bring before the public: present a play.

3.

a. To make a gift or award of.

b. To make a gift to.

4.

a. To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display. See Synonyms at offer.

b. To afford or furnish: The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.

c. To turn or position in the direction of another: presented his face to the camera.

d. To attach (an antigen, for example) on the surface of a molecule for detection by other molecules.

5. To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body.

6. Ecclesiastical To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.

7. Law

a. To offer to a legislature or court for consideration.

b. To bring a charge or indictment against.

v.intr.

1. To manifest as a part of a disease or medical condition.

2. To make a presentation.

n.

1. pres·ent (prznt) Something presented; a gift.

2. pre·sent (pr-znt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.

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[Middle English presenten, from Old French presenter, from Latin presentre, to show, from praesns, praesent-, present participle of praeesse, to be in front of; see present¹.]

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pre·senter n.

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presents

Noun, pl

Law used in a deed or document to refer to itself: know all men by these presents