volatile
UK: ˈvɒlətaɪl | US: ˈvɑːlətl
adj. evaporating rapidly at normal temperatures
adj. liable to change rapidly and unpredictably
adj. (computing) referring to memory that loses data when power is removed
The word volatile traces back to Latin volatilis (fleeting, flying), from volare (to fly). It initially described substances that easily vaporize (literally "fly away"). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe unpredictability (e.g., emotions, markets) and later became a technical term in computing for temporary memory. The progression mirrors the logic of physical → abstract instability.
Ether is a volatile liquid that evaporates quickly.
The stock market remained volatile due to geopolitical tensions.
Her volatile temper made negotiations difficult.
RAM is a type of volatile memory in computers.
The political climate grew increasingly volatile after the election.