Meaning of emergent

e•mer•gent

1. coming into view or notice; issuing.
2. emerging; rising from a liquid or other surrounding medium.
3. coming into existence, esp. with political independence: the emergent nations of Africa.
4. arising casually or unexpectedly.
5. calling for immediate action; urgent.
6. displaying emergence.

1. an aquatic plant having its stem, leaves, etc., extending above the surface of the water.