Ephemera: meaning, definitions and examples

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ephemera

 

[ ษชหˆfษ›m.ษ™.rษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น efรญmera

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคทเคฃเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ephemera

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ephemera

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะฟhemeris

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ efemeryda

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚จใƒ•ใ‚งใƒกใƒฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉphรฉmรจre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ efรญmero

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท geรงici

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ผ์‹œ์ ์ธ ๊ฒƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุงุจุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ephemera

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ephemera

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็žฌๆฏไธ‡ๅ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ephemer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skammvinna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟhemeris

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒคแƒ”แƒ›แƒ”แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ephemer

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ efรญmero

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,404 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.