transient transient /ˈtrænʒənt/

adjective

1. (philosophy) of a mental act; causing effects outside the mind  ( transeunt , transient )
   (philosophy) of a mental act; causing effects outside the mind
   
2. Lasting a very short time  ( fugacious , transient , transitory , ephemeral , passing , short-lived , here today and gone tomorrow [Informal] , here today gone tomorrow [Informal] )
   lasting a very short time
    The ephemeral joys of childhood
   the ephemeral joys of childhood
    A passing fancy
   a passing fancy
    Youth's transient beauty
   youth's transient beauty
    Love is transitory but it is eternal
   love is transitory but it is eternal
    Fugacious blossoms
   fugacious blossoms
   

noun

1. (physics) a short-lived oscillation in a system caused by a sudden change of voltage, current or load  ( transient )
   (physics) a short-lived oscillation in a system caused by a sudden change of voltage, current or load
   
2. One who stays for only a short time  ( transient )
   one who stays for only a short time
    Transient laborers
   transient laborers