adj. & n.
--adj.
1. of short duration; momentary; passing; impermanent (life is transient; of transient interest).
2 Mus. serving only to connect; inessential (a transient chord).
--n.
1. a temporary visitor, worker, etc.
2 Electr. a brief current etc.
Derivatives:
transience n. transiency n. transiently adv.
Etymology: L transire (as TRANS-, ire go)