Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Present \Pres"ent\, a. [F. pr['e]sent, L. praesens,-entis, that
   is before one, in sight or at hand, p. p. of praeesse to be
   before; prae before + esse to be. See {Essence}.]
   1. Being at hand, within reach or call, within certain
      contemplated limits; -- opposed to absent.

            These things have I spoken unto you, being yet
            present with you.                     --John xiv.
                                                  25.

   2. Now existing, or in process; begun but not ended; now in
      view, or under consideration; being at this time; not past
      or future; as, the present session of Congress; the
      present state of affairs; the present instance.

            I'll bring thee to the present business --Shak.

   3. Not delayed; immediate; instant; coincident. ``A present
      recompense.'' ``A present pardon.'' --Shak.

            An ambassador . . . desires a present audience.
                                                  --Massinger.

   4. Ready; quick in emergency; as a present wit. [R.]

   5. Favorably attentive; propitious. [Archaic]

            To find a god so present to my prayer. --Dryden.

   {Present tense} (Gram.), the tense or form of a verb which
      expresses action or being in the present time; as, I am
      writing, I write, or I do write.

Source : WordNet®

present tense
     n : a verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of
         speaking [syn: {present}]