fugacious

[ fyoo-gey-shuhs ]

adjective

1. fleeting; transient:

   a sensational story with but a fugacious claim on the public's attention.

2. Botany. falling or fading early.

fugacious

/ fjuːˈɡeɪʃəs /

adjective

1. passing quickly away; transitory; fleeting
2. botany lasting for only a short time

   fugacious petals

Derived Forms

• fuˈgaciousness, noun
• fuˈgaciously, adverb

Other Words From

• fu·gacious·ly adverb
• fu·gacious·ness fu·gac·i·ty [fyoo-, gas, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fugacious¹

1625–35; < Latin fugāci- (stem of fugāx apt to flee, fleet, derivative of fugere to flee + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of fugacious¹

C17: from Latin fugax inclined to flee, swift, from fugere to flee; see fugitive

Example Sentences

By means of careful work, Grafe came closer to ascertaining the origin of the fugacious aromatic materials.

From Project Gutenberg

Stamens 4, or rarely 2, in all or some flowers with long and weak exserted filaments, and fugacious 2-celled anthers.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no volva, but there is a ring which is sometimes persistent, friable, and fugacious.

From Project Gutenberg

The wealth acquired by speculation and plunder, is fugacious in its nature, and fills society with the spirit of gambling.

From Project Gutenberg

The shortness of the twilight frequently leaves the fugacious planet, Mercury, so seldom seen at the north, in distinct view.

From Project Gutenberg