evanescent
UK: ˌiːvəˈnesnt | US: ˌevəˈnesnt
adj. tending to vanish like vapor; fleeting or transient
adj. (physics) describing a phenomenon that quickly fades or disappears
Derived from Latin "evanescere" (to disappear, vanish), the word evolved through French "évanescent" before entering English in the 18th century. It captures the poetic imagery of something fading like mist ("e-" out + "van" vanish + "-escent" process), emphasizing impermanence. Used in literature and physics to describe fleeting moments or decaying waves.
The evanescent glow of fireflies lit up the summer night.
Her evanescent smile left him longing for more.
In quantum mechanics, evanescent waves decay rapidly near boundaries.
The artist captured the evanescent beauty of sunset hues.
Childhood memories often feel evanescent as we grow older.