Ephemeros

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Lasting only for a very short time ; existing briefly before disappearing ; characterized by fleeting duration and rapid disappearance
2. Describing something that is temporary and short-lived ; enduring momentarily before fading away ; having a transitory existence with swift conclusion
3. Indicating a brief period of life or presence ; lasting momentarily and vanishing quickly ; signifying something ephemeral and passing rapidly

Etymology: Ancient Greek "ephēmeros" was built from "epi," meaning "on" or "for," and "hēmera," meaning "day." Its literal sense was "lasting only a day," and it was applied to anything short-lived, from a mayfly to a human life. Greek writers used it for mortals in contrast with the gods, who were "athanatoi," the deathless. Its Latin form, "ephemerus," was borrowed into English in the 16th century, when it was used with the same mayfly-and-mortal meanings. The most famous medical use came from Greek physicians, who named a short-lived fever the "ephemera," a fever lasting about a day. The Latin "ephemerides" also gave English "ephemeris," a table of predicted positions of celestial bodies, arranged by day.

Synonyms: ephemeral, short-lived, transient, fleeting, momentary

Antonyms: permanent, lasting, enduring, eternal, perpetual