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Emergent vs Emergency - What's the difference?

emergent | emergency |

As nouns the difference between emergent and emergency

is that emergent is a plant whose root system grows underwater, but whose shoot, leaves and flowers grow up and above the water while emergency is a situation which poses an immediate risk and which requires urgent attention.

As an adjective emergent

is arising unexpectedly, especially if also calling for immediate reaction; constituting an emergency.

emergent

English

(emergence)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (lb) Arising unexpectedly, especially if also calling for immediate reaction; constituting an emergency.
  • * 1918 , The Missionary Review of the World , volume 41, page 818:
  • In all these great and vital things which America has discovered to be emergent necessities,
  • Emerging; coming into view or into existence; nascent; new.
  • (botany) Taller than the surrounding vegetation.
  • (botany, of a water-dwelling plant) Having leaves and flowers above the water.
  • (video games) Having gameplay that arises from its mechanics, rather than a linear storyline.
  • * 2008 , Jim Rossignol, This Gaming Life: Travels in Three Cities (page 126)
  • In short, emergent games are ones that allow a huge range of possibilities and don't dictate a strict, linear flow of events. A strategy game is emergent because so many units can interact and have some effect on each other.

    Derived terms

    * emergent evolution * emergently

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (botany) A plant whose root system grows underwater, but whose shoot, leaves and flowers grow up and above the water.
  • ----

    emergency

    English

    Noun

    (emergencies)
  • A situation which poses an immediate risk and which requires urgent attention.
  • :Cardiac arrest is an emergency and if you find someone in cardiac arrest you should call 999 immediately.
  • (US, Canada, often attributive) The department of a hospital that treats emergencies.
  • An individual brought in at short notice to replace a member of staff, a player in a sporting team, etc.
  • * November 2 2014 , Daniel Taylor, " Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk
  • Van Gaal responded by replacing Adnan Januzaj with Carrick and, in fairness, the emergency centre-half did exceedingly well given that he has not played since May.
  • (archaic) The quality of being emergent; sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence.
  • Synonyms

    * (hospital department) ER, casualty, emerg

    Derived terms

    * emergency department * emergency entrance * emergency exit * emergency room * emergency ward * emergency medical services * state of emergency * emergency response * Emergency Medical Technician * The Emergency

    See also

    * fire department * police