recent

adjective

1. 1

   Having happened a short while ago.

   Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents.

2. 2

   Up-to-date; not old-fashioned or dated.

3. 3

   Having done something a short while ago that distinguishes them as what they are called.

   The cause has several hundred recent donors.

   I met three recent graduates at the conference.

4. 4

   Particularly in geology, palaeontology, and astronomy: having occurred a relatively short time ago, but still potentially thousands or even millions of years ago.

   Finding it now means it was produced in more recent times, in astronomical terms.

noun

1. 1

   A recently viewed or accessed item.

   Obviously, the first time you launch this app, your Recents list is empty.

Forms

plural

recents

comparative

more recent

superlative

most recent