Ephemeromorph

/ɪˌfɛmərəˈmɔrf/ noun

Definition

An organism or form that is temporary or short-lived in appearance or existence; something that resembles or exhibits ephemeral characteristics.

Etymology

From ephemero- (Greek ephemeros 'short-lived') plus -morph (Greek morphe 'form'), literally 'a short-lived form.'

Kelly Says

Ephemeromorphs include temporary structures in nature like ice flowers, spring ephemeral wildflowers, and the brief larval forms of insects—shapes that nature sculpts and then erases.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.