ephem·er·al
/əˈfem.ər.əl/
📖 Definitions
adjective
1.
(Of something) lasting for a very short time; transitory.
"The ephemeral nature of fame often leads to intense pressure on young artists."
2.
Relating to or characteristic of short-lived plants or insects.
"Ephemeral desert blooms appear only after heavy rainfall."
noun
1.
A plant or insect that lives for only a short time.
"Spring ephemerals like trilliums and bloodroots complete their life cycle before the tree canopy closes."
🌱 Etymology
From Middle English ephemeral, via Latin ephēmerus from Ancient Greek ἐφήμερος (ephēmeros), meaning "lasting only a day," from ἐπὶ (epi) "upon" + ἡμέρα (hēméra) "day." Originally used in botany to describe plants that complete their life cycle in a single day.
1540s
First recorded in English, primarily in botanical contexts
1650s
Extended to general use meaning "short-lived" or "transient"
1960s
Adopted in digital/photographic contexts to describe temporary media
🔗 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fleeting
transient
momentary
brief
temporary
evanescent
passing
short-lived
impermanent
fugitive
Antonyms
permanent
enduring
lasting
eternal
everlasting
abiding