English · Science & Technology
emergent
/ɪˈmɜː.dʒənt/
[/ɪˈmɜː.dʒənt/]
arising from interacting parts
Advancedadjective
Definition
Something emergent arises newly, especially as a property of a complex system that its parts alone do not show. Speakers describe emergent behaviour in nature and markets.
Example
Consciousness may be an emergent property of the brain.
Consciousness may be an emergent property of the brain.
Etymology
From Latin 'emergere', meaning to rise out.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in talks on complexity, science, and systems thinking.