An attentiveness, alertness, or watchfulness for whatever may occur. [L. vigilantia, wakefulness]
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vig·i·lance 'vij-ə-lən(t)s n the quality or state of being wakeful and alert: degree of wakefulness or responsiveness to stimuli
vig·i·lant -lənt adj
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vig·i·lance (vijґĭ-ləns) [L. vigilantia] alert watchfulness, particularly with regard to danger or other changes in the environment; attentiveness; readiness to respond to stimuli.Medical dictionary. 2011.