Ephemeral

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Ephemeral can also refer to an ephemeral film.

Ephemeral things are transitory, existing only briefly.

An ephemeral waterbody is a creek, stream, river, pond or lake that only exists for a few days following precipitation or snowmelt. They are not the same as intermittent or seasonal waterbodies, which exist for longer periods, but not all year round. Examples of ephemeral streams are the Ugab River in Southern Africa, and a number of small ephemeral watercourses that drain Talak in northern Niger. Lake Carnegie in Western Australia and Lake Cowal in New South Wales are ephemeral lakes.

Ephemeral can also be used as an adjective to refer to a fast deteriorating importance of an object to a person. Brands are notoriously ephemeral assets. A sensation which is felt by a person for a certain period of time before needing replenishment can be referred to as ephemeral. The Biblical phrase "This Too Shall Pass (Phrase)" succinctly expresses the ephemeral nature of all human sensations and existence.

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