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ephemera

Definition of ephemera

noun

  • things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time: there were papers, letters, old boxes—all sorts of ephemera
  • collectable items that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity:Mickey Mouse ephemera

Origin:

late 16th century: plural of ephemeron, from Greek, neuter of ephēmeros 'lasting only a day'. As a singular noun the word originally denoted a plant said by ancient writers to last only one day, or an insect with a short lifespan, and hence was applied (late 18th century) to a person or thing of short-lived interest. Current use has been influenced by plurals such as trivia and memorabilia

ephemera in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of ephemera in the US English dictionary
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