ephemeral

In Robert A. Heinlein's Future History books and stories, an ephemeral is a short-lived human being, i.e. not a member of the Howard Families bloodline. While Howards, bred for lifespan, may live for centuries, ephemerals still average the seventy years or so of 20th century humans.

Close personal relationships between Howards and ephemerals are somewhat ill-advised, as the long-lived Howard partner invariably outlives the ephemeral, and the result can be depressing for both. This does not, of course, stop Lazarus Long or other Howards from falling in love with ephemerals.

E*phem"er*al (?), a.

1.

Beginning and ending in a day; existing only, or no longer than, a day; diurnal; as, an ephemeral flower.

2.

Short-lived; existing or continuing for a short time only.

"Ephemeral popularity."

V. Knox.

Sentences not of ephemeral, but of eternal, efficacy. Sir J. Stephen.

Ephemeral fly Zool., one of a group of neuropterous insects, belonging to the genus Ephemera and many allied genera, which live in the adult or winged state only for a short time. The larvae are aquatic; -- called also day fly and May fly.

 

© Webster 1913.

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E*phem"er*al, n.

Anything lasting but a day, or a brief time; an ephemeral plant, insect, etc.

 

© Webster 1913.