I. -ˌrerē, -reri adjective
Etymology: Latin temporarius, from tempor-, tempus period of time, fitting time, season, time (in general) + -arius -ary — more at temporal
1.
a. : lasting for a time only : existing or continuing for a limited time : impermanent , transitory
insisted on the entirely temporary quality of any victory over nature — David Riesman
b. obsolete : bearing the marks of a particular time : deriving interest from or having relation to a restricted period or special era : dated , ephemeral — distinguished from universal
2. obsolete
a. : of or relating to man's present life on earth : mundane , temporal
b. : occurring in or related to time rather than eternity
II. noun
( -es )
: someone or something serving for a limited time only
the others were temporaries like me — Tom Weir
the wartime temporaries … will be replaced by 75 permanent homes — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union