-rē, -ri adjective
Etymology: Latin momentarius, from momentum moment + -arius -ary — more at moment
1.
a. : continuing only a moment : lasting a very short time : transitory
makes all human trouble appear but a momentary annoyance — Nathaniel Hawthorne
law and order have reigned with only one momentary breakdown — J.H.Huizinga
b. : having a very brief life : ephemeral — used of a living being
truth more complete than the parcel of truth any momentary individual can seize — Matthew Arnold
2. : operative or recurring at every moment
in momentary terror of being hurled headlong down a precipice — T.L.Peacock
3. : momentaneous 3
Synonyms: see transient