TRANSITORY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does transitory mean? 

• TRANSITORY (adjective)
  The adjective TRANSITORY has 1 sense:

1. lasting a very short time

  Familiarity information: TRANSITORY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TRANSITORY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Lasting a very short time

Synonyms:

ephemeral; fugacious; passing; short-lived; transient; transitory

Context example:

fugacious blossoms

Similar:

impermanent; temporary (not permanent; not lasting)

Derivation:

transitoriness (an impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or dying)

 Context examples 

These feelings are transitory; each day of expectation delayed fills them with fear, and I almost dread a mutiny caused by this despair.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

It is only because our connection happens to be very transitory, and comes at a peculiarly mournful season, that I consent thus to render it so patient and compliant on my part.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

A transitory alteration in movement, sensation or autonomic nerve function due to abnormal electric activity in a localized area of the cerebral cortex, usually without change in awareness or alertness.

(Partial Seizure, NCI Thesaurus)

When applied topically to the eye, this agent stimulates the sphincter pupillae to contract, resulting in miosis; stimulates the ciliary muscle to contract, resulting in spasm of accomodation; and may cause a transitory rise in intraocular pressure followed by a more persistent fall due to opening of the trabecular meshwork and an increase in the outflow of aqueous humor.

(Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, NCI Thesaurus)

When applied topically to eyes, this agent stimulates the sphincter pupillae to contract, resulting in miosis; stimulates the ciliary muscle to contract, resulting in spasm of accommodation; and may cause a transitory rise in intraocular pressure followed by a more persistent fall due to opening of the trabecular meshwork and an increase in the outflow of aqueous humor.

(Pilocarpine, NCI Thesaurus)

A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquillity.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

I did not then know that it was no transitory blossom, but rather the radiant resemblance of one, cut in an indestructible gem.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Company was irksome to me; when alone, I could fill my mind with the sights of heaven and earth; the voice of Henry soothed me, and I could thus cheat myself into a transitory peace.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

My help had been needed and claimed; I had given it: I was pleased to have done something; trivial, transitory though the deed was, it was yet an active thing, and I was weary of an existence all passive.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

It was eight o’clock when we landed; we walked for a short time on the shore, enjoying the transitory light, and then retired to the inn and contemplated the lovely scene of waters, woods, and mountains, obscured in darkness, yet still displaying their black outlines.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)