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.

The mountains huge appear emergent. --Milton.

2. Suddenly appearing; arising unexpectedly; calling for prompt action; urgent.

Protection granted in emergent danger. --Burke.

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.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)