emer·gen·cy
n, pl -cies : an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action: as a : a sudden bodily alteration (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock) such as is likely to require immediate medical attention b : a usu. distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen .
Similar sounding terms: emer·gence
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