Transient /(?)/

Tran·sient

Transient

a.
  1. Passing before the sight or perception, or, as it were, moving over or across a space or scene viewed, and then disappearing; hence, of short duration; not permanent; not lasting or durable; not stationary; passing; fleeting; brief; transitory; as, transient pleasure.
  2. Hasty; momentary; imperfect; brief; as, a transient view of a landscape.
  3. Staying for a short time; not regular or permanent; as, a transient guest; transient boarders. [Colloq. U. S.]
    What is loose love? A transient gust.
    If [we love] transitory things, which soon decay, Age must be loveliest at the latest day.
    — Donne.
    O fleeting joys Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes.
Syn. -- Transient, Transitory, Fleeting.

Transient represents a thing as brief at the best; transitory, as liable at any moment to pass away. Fleeting goes further, and represents it as in the act of taking its flight. Life is transient; its joys are transitory; its hours are fleeting.

Transient

n.
  1. That which remains but for a brief time.