Usage Note
Instantánea is the feminine form of the adjective instantáneo used as a noun, meaning a photographic snapshot taken in an instant. It contrasts with a studio portrait or long-exposure photograph. The adjective form (instantáneo/a) appears in phrases like café instantáneo (instant coffee) or respuesta instantánea (instant reply). In digital contexts it overlaps with foto.
Examples
"Tomó una instantánea del momento."
Natural Translation
She took a snapshot of the moment.

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