transient

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Translations 1.2.2 Derived terms 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Quotations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

• From Latin transiens, present participle of transire.

[edit] Adjective

transient (comparative more transient, superlative most transient)

1. Passing or disappearing with time; transitory.
2. Remaining for only a brief time.
3. (physics) Decaying with time, especially exponentially.
4. Occasional; isolated; one-off; individual.
5. Passing through; passing from one person to another.
6. (philosophy) Operating beyond itself; having an external effect (antonym: immanent).

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

• transience
• transiently
• transientness

[edit] Noun

transient (plural transients)

1. Something which is transient.
2. (physics) A transient phenomenon, especially an electric current; a very brief surge.
3. (audio) A relatively loud, non-repeating signal in an audio waveform which occurs very quickly, such as the attack of a snare drum.
4. A person who passes through a place for a short time; a traveller; a migrant worker
5. An unhoused person

[edit] Quotations

a migrant worker

• 1996, Janette Turner Hospital, Oyster, Virago Press, paperback edition, page 3

  Then, within the space of a few months, there were more transients than there were locals, and the imbalance seemed morally wrong.