Ephemera: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
ephemera
[ ษชหfษm.ษ.rษ ]
collectible items
Ephemera refers to items that are ephemeral in nature, typically paper-based, that are designed for a short-lived use but are often collected for their historical significance. This can include items such as postcards, tickets, brochures, and advertisements, which provide insight into cultural moments. While they may be considered junk in everyday life, ephemera can hold great value for collectors, historians, and researchers. The term can also be applied to digital media that is intended to be temporary.
Synonyms
collectibles, short-lived materials, transitory items
Examples of usage
- The museum has an impressive collection of ephemera from the 19th century.
- She keeps a scrapbook filled with ephemera from her travels.
- Many collectors seek out ephemera related to famous events.
- Ephemera can reveal much about the society in which it was produced.
Translations
Translations of the word "ephemera" in other languages:
๐ต๐น efรญmera
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคทเคฃเคฟเค
๐ฉ๐ช Ephemera
๐ฎ๐ฉ ephemera
๐บ๐ฆ ะตะฟhemeris
๐ต๐ฑ efemeryda
๐ฏ๐ต ใจใใงใกใฉ
๐ซ๐ท รฉphรฉmรจre
๐ช๐ธ efรญmero
๐น๐ท geรงici
๐ฐ๐ท ์ผ์์ ์ธ ๊ฒ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนุงุจุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ ephemera
๐ธ๐ฐ ephemera
๐จ๐ณ ็ฌๆฏไธๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ ephemer
๐ฎ๐ธ skammvinna
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฟhemeris
๐ฌ๐ช แแคแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ephemer
๐ฒ๐ฝ efรญmero
Word origin
The word 'ephemera' originated from the Greek word 'ephemeros', meaning 'lasting only a day'. This reflects the transient nature of the items it describes. First used in English in the 17th century, it was originally applied to medical prescriptions that were valid for only a short time. Over time, the scope of the term expanded to include a variety of collectibles that are not meant to last, such as tickets, programs, and advertisements. The appreciation for ephemera gained momentum in the 20th century as collectors began to recognize the cultural and historical significance of these items. Today, ephemera are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the insight they provide into past social and economic conditions.