The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Emergent \E*mer"gent\, a. [L. emergens, p. pr. of emergere.]
   1. Rising or emerging out of a fluid or anything that covers
      or conceals; issuing; coming to light.
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            The mountains huge appear emergent.   --Milton.
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   2. Suddenly appearing; arising unexpectedly; calling for
      prompt action; urgent.
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            Protection granted in emergent danger. --Burke.
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   Emergent year (Chron.), the epoch or date from which any
      people begin to compute their time or dates; as, the
      emergent year of Christendom is that of the birth of
      Christ; the emergent year of the United States is that of
      the declaration of their independence. -- E*mer"gent*ly,
      adv. -- E*mer"gent*ness, n. [R.]
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