Main Entry: tran·si·to·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈtran(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē, ˈtran-zə-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English transitorie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin transitorius, from Latin, of or allowing passage, from transire

Date: 14th century

1 : tending to pass away : not persistent
2 : of brief duration : temporary <the transitory nature of earthly joy>

synonyms see transient

— tran·si·to·ri·ly \ˌtran(t)-sə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē, ˌtran-zə-\ adverb

— tran·si·to·ri·ness \ˈtran(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs, ˈtran-zə-\ noun