instance
UK: ˈɪnstəns | US: ˈɪnstəns
n. a specific example or occurrence of something
n. (computing) a single occurrence of a process or object
n. (archaic) urgency in speech or action
The word "instance" originates from Latin instantia ("presence, urgency"), derived from instans (present participle of instare, "to stand upon or press"). The morpheme in- means "upon," st- comes from stare ("to stand"), and -ance is a noun-forming suffix indicating state or action. Over time, the sense of "urgency" (from pressing demands) expanded to include "specific examples" (as concrete manifestations of a general idea).
This is a rare instance of a solar eclipse occurring twice in one year.
Each instance of the software runs independently.
She cited several instances of discrimination in the report.
(Archaic) "He spoke with great instance, urging immediate action."
The program creates a new instance of the object when called.