temporal
temporal Lexical Profile
temporal Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to time, chronological sequence, or the measurement of time, often in contrast to spatial relations.
"The historian analyzed both the spatial and temporal patterns of urban expansion across thenineteenth century."
Relating to or situated in the temples of the head or the sides of the skull.
"Neuroimaging revealed increased activity in the left temporal lobe while the patient listened to spoken language."
Relating to worldly, earthly, or civil affairs, as opposed to spiritual, sacred, or ecclesiastical matters.
"During the Middle Ages, monarchs and popes frequently clashed over the boundaries between temporal and spiritual authority."
In grammar and linguistics, relating to or expressing time or tense (such as a temporal clause or conjunction).
"Conjunctions like 'when', 'while', and 'until' introduce temporal clauses that specify when an action occurs."
• noun
An anatomical structure located in the region of the temple of the head, especially the temporal bone or temporal muscle.
"The anatomist pointed out the suture where the parietal bone meets the temporal on the lateral side of the cranium."
A secular, civil, or worldly possession, power, or affair (usually used in the plural).
"The bishop was invested with the temporals of his see by the crown following his consecration."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'temporal' with 'temporary'; while both share the same Latin root for time, 'temporal' usually means 'relating to time' (or worldly/secular matters), whereas 'temporary' specifically means 'lasting for only a limited period'.
• Rhymes for temporal
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Ultimately derived from two distinct Latin roots that converged in form: Latin 'temporalis' ('of time, temporary'), from 'tempus' ('time, season'), and Late Latin 'temporalis' ('of the temples of the head'), from 'tempus' ('temple of the head').