Dependent \De*pend"ent\, a. [L. dependens, -entis, p. pr.
   dependere. See {Depend}, and cf. {Dependant}.]
   1. Hanging down; as, a dependent bough or leaf.
      
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   2. Relying on, or subject to, something else for support; not
      able to exist, or sustain itself, or to perform anything,
      without the will, power, or aid of something else; not
      self-sustaining; subordinate; -- often with on or upon;
      as, dependent on God; dependent upon friends. Opposite of
      {independent}. [Narrower terms: {interdependent,  mutualist, mutually beneficial}; {parasitic, parasitical,  leechlike, bloodsucking}; {subordinate}; {underage};
      {myrmecophilous}; {symbiotic}] Also See: {unfree}.
      
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            England, long dependent and degraded, was again a
            power of the first rank.              --Macaulay.
      
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   3. conditional; contingent or conditioned. Opposite of
      {unconditional}.

   Syn: qualified.
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   4. addicted to drugs.

   Syn: addicted, dependent, drug-addicted, hooked, strung-out.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   {Dependent covenant} or {Dependent contract} (Law), one not
      binding until some connecting stipulation is performed.

   {Dependent variable} (Math.), a varying quantity whose
      changes are arbitrary, but are regarded as produced by
      changes in another variable, which is called the
      {independent variable}.
      
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