presence

noun pres·ence \ˈpre-z^ən(t)s\

: the fact of being in a particular place : the state of being present

: the area that is close to someone

: someone or something that is seen or noticed in a particular place, area, etc.

Full Definition of PRESENCE

: the fact or condition of being present(see ³present)

a : the part of space within one's immediate vicinity

b : the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank

archaic : company 2a

: one that is present: as

a : the actual person or thing that is present

b : something present of a visible or concrete nature

a : the bearing, carriage, or air of a person; especially : stately or distinguished bearing

b : a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness <the actor's commanding presence>

: something (as a spirit) felt or believed to be present

See presence defined for English-language learners

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Bacteria sense their neighbors and respond to the presence of others in the colony by exchanging small molecules and bits of proteins called peptides … —Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009
Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer. … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings. —Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons. —Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007
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