e·phem·er·al ( -f m  r-l)adj. 1. Lasting for a markedly brief time: "There remain some truths too ephemeral to be captured in the cold pages of a court transcript" (Irving R. Kaufman). 2. Living or lasting only for a day, as certain plants or insects do. n. A markedly short-lived thing. [From Greek eph  meros : ep-, epi-, epi- + hmer , day.]e·phem  er·ali·ty, e·phemer·al·ness n.e·phem er·al·ly adv. |
ephemeral [ɪˈfɛmərəl]
adj
lasting for only a short time; transitory; short-lived ephemeral pleasure
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) a short-lived organism, such as the mayfly
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) a plant that completes its life cycle in less than one year, usually less than six months
[from Greek ephēmeros lasting only a day, from hēmera day]
ephemerally adv
ephemerality , ephemeralness n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | ephemeral - anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form insect - small air-breathing arthropod |
| Adj. | 1. | ephemeral - lasting a very short time; "the ephemeral joys of childhood"; "a passing fancy"; "youth's transient beauty"; "love is transitory but it is eternal"; "fugacious blossoms" impermanent, temporary - not permanent; not lasting; "politics is an impermanent factor of life"- James Thurber; "impermanent palm cottages"; "a temperary arrangement"; "temporary housing" |
ephemeral
adjective transient, short, passing, brief, temporary, fleeting, short-lived, fugitive, flitting, momentary, transitory, evanescent, impermanent, fugacious These paintings are a reminder that earthly pleasures are ephemeral.
lasting, enduring, persisting, eternal, abiding, durable, long-lasting, immortal, steadfast
lasting, enduring, persisting, eternal, abiding, durable, long-lasting, immortal, steadfast
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|