temporal
- 01 C1 Advanced
adj.relating to time or how things change over time.
adj.relating to time as a dimension or the sequence of events.
Simple“The researchers studied the temporal patterns of the weather over ten years.”
In context“The study examines the temporal distribution of rainfall, noting how the frequency of storms has shifted over the last three decades.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.relating to the physical world and ordinary life rather than spiritual or religious things.
adj.relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular.
Simple“The king had temporal power over the land, but the church handled spiritual matters.”
In context“The treaty sought to balance the temporal authority of the state with the traditional religious rights of the local population.”
UsageCommon in historical or legal contexts.
- 03 C1 Advanced
adj.relating to the sides of the head near the eyes.
adj.relating to the temples or the sides of the skull.
Simple“He felt a sharp pain in his temporal region during the headache.”
In context“The surgeon carefully navigated the temporal bone to avoid damaging the delicate structures of the inner ear.”
UsageUsed primarily in anatomical or medical descriptions.
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.one of the bones on the side of the skull.
n.a short form for the temporal bone or a specific scale on a reptile's head.
Simple“The doctor pointed to the temporal on the X-ray.”
In context“The fracture extended across the left temporal, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent neurological complications.”
UsageOften used in the plural when referring to anatomical structures.
Usage temporal proximity · temporal resolution
“This temporal smearing is a problem for paleontologists because when that piece of seafloor is buried and becomes part of the fossil record, it's difficult and expensive to determine how much mixing took place.”
From Middle English temporal, temporel (“transitory, worldly, material, of secular society”), from Old French temporel or Latin temporālis (“of time (in grammar), temporary, relating to time as opposed to eternity”), from tempus (“time, period, opportunity”) + -ālis.
From Middle English, from Middle French timporal, temporal, from Late Latin temporālis, from tempora (“the temples of the head”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix). Doublet of temporalis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.