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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presents

Noun, pl

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