ephemeral
UK: ɪˈfem.ər.əl | US: ɪˈfem.ɚ.əl
adj. lasting for a very short time; transient
adj. (biology) living for only one day
Derived from Greek ephēmeros (ἐφήμερος), combining epi- (upon) + hēmera (day), originally describing organisms (e.g., mayflies) with lifespans of a single day. The term evolved metaphorically in Late Latin (ephemeralis) and Middle French (éphémère) to denote transience. The suffix -al (from Latin -alis) standardizes it as an adjective in English.
The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a week.
Social media trends are often ephemeral, fading quickly.
The mayfly’s ephemeral life cycle fascinates biologists.
Their happiness was ephemeral, shattered by sudden news.
Artists sometimes capture ephemeral moments in timeless works.