(n) a rule that when literal compliance is impossible the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as nearly as possible, Syn. cy pres doctrine, rule of cy pres
(n) the state of demanding notice or attention, Syn. insistency, pressure, insistence, press, Example:the insistence of their hunger; the press of business matters
(n) status established in order of importance or urgency, Syn. precedency, priority, Example:...its precedence as the world's leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals; national independence takes priority over class struggle
(n) (quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time, Syn. indeterminacy principle