ephemeral
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From New Latin ephemerus < Ancient Greek ἐφήμερος (ephēmeros), the more common form of ἐφημέριος (ephemerios), “‘of, for, or during the day, living or lasting but for a day, short-lived, temporary’”) < έπί (epi), “‘on’”) + ήμέρα (emera), “‘day’”).
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /ɛˈfɛmərəl/, /əˈfɛmərəl/
- Audio (US)help, file
[edit] Adjective
ephemeral (comparative more ephemeral, superlative most ephemeral)
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Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
- Lasting for a short period of time.
- (biology) Existing for only one day, as with some flowers, insects, and diseases.
[edit] Synonyms
- (lasting for a short period of time):: temporary, transitory, fleeting, evanescent, momentary, short-lived, short, volatile
- See also Wikisaurus:ephemeral
[edit] Antonyms
- (lasting for a long period of time):: permanent, eternal, everlasting, timeless.
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
lasting for a short period of time
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existing for only one day
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[edit] External links
- ephemeral in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- ephemeral in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911