Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dependent
1.
Hanging down;
as, a
. dependent
bough or leaf2.
Relying on, or subject to, something else for support; not able to exist, or sustain itself, or to perform anything, without the will, power, or aid of something else; not self-sustaining; subordinate; – often with on or upon;
[Narrower terms: as,
. Opposite of dependent
on God; dependent
upon friendsindependent
. interdependent, mutualist, mutually beneficial
; parasitic, parasitical, leechlike, bloodsucking
; subordinate
; underage
; myrmecophilous
; symbiotic
] Also See:
unfree
. England, long
dependent
and degraded, was again a power of the first rank. Macaulay.
Dependent covenant
or
Dependent contract
(Law)
, one not binding until some connecting stipulation is performed.
– Dependent variable
(Math.)
, a varying quantity whose changes are arbitrary, but are regarded as produced by changes in another variable, which is called the
independent variable
.De-pend′ent
,Noun.
1.
One who depends; one who is sustained by another, or who relies on another for financial support or favor; a hanger-on; a retainer;
as, a numerous train of
. dependents
A host of
dependents
on the court, suborned to play their part as witnesses. Hallam.
2.
That which depends; corollary; consequence.
With all its circumstances and
dependents
. Prynne.
☞ See the Note under
Dependant
. Webster 1828 Edition
Dependent
DEPENDENT
,Adj.
1.
Hanging down; as a dependent leaf.The furs in the tails were dependent.
2.
Subject to the power of; at the disposal of; not able to exist or sustain itself without the will or power of. Thus, we are dependent on God and his providence; and effect may be dependent on some unknown cause.3.
Relying on for support or favor; unable to subsist or to perform any thing, without the aid of.Children are dependent on their parents for food and clothing. The pupil is dependent on his preceptor for instruction.
DEPENDENT
,Noun.