Emergent

Full definition of emergent

Adjective

1. emerging; coming into view or into existence; nascent; new.
2. (botany) taller than the surrounding vegetation
3. (botany, of a water-dwelling plant) having leaves and flowers above the water
4. (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

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