Dependent
Dependent , adjective
[Latin dependens, -entis, p. pr. dependere. See Depend, and compare Dependant.]
1.
Hanging down; as, a dependent bough or leaf.
2.
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; as, dependent on God; dependent upon friends. Opposite of independent.
England, long dependent and degraded, was again a power of the first rank.
3.
conditional; contingent or conditioned. Opposite of unconditional.
4.
addicted to drugs.
Collocations (2)
Dependent covenant or Dependent contract (Law) , one not binding until some connecting stipulation is performed.
Dependent variable (Mathematics) , a varying quantity whose changes are arbitrary, but are regarded as produced by changes in another variable, which is called the independent variable.
Dependent , 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.
2.
That which depends; corollary; consequence.
With all its circumstances and dependents.
See the Note under Dependant.