temporal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the semantic role of the noun phrase that designates the time of the state or action denoted by the verb
    temporal role.
  2. adjective satellite not eternal
    • temporal matters of but fleeting moment"- F.D.Roosevelt
  3. adjective of or relating to or limited by time
    • temporal processing
    • temporal dimensions
    • temporal and spacial boundaries
    • music is a temporal art
  4. adjective of or relating to the temples (the sides of the skull behind the orbit)
    • temporal bone
  5. adjective characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world
    secular; worldly.
    • worldly goods and advancement
    • temporal possessions of the church
  6. adjective satellite of this earth or world
    • temporal joys
    • our temporal existence

WordNet

Tem"po*ral adjective
Etymology
L. temporalis, fr. tempora the temples: cf. F. temporal. See Temple a part of the head.
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the temple or temples; as, the temporal bone; a temporal artery.
Tem"po*ral adjective
Etymology
L. temporalis, fr. tempus, temporis, time, portion of time, the fitting or appointed time: cf. F. temporel. Cf. Contemporaneous, Extempore, Temper, v. t., Tempest, Temple a part of the head, Tense, n., Thing.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to time, that is, to the present life, or this world; secular, as distinguished from sacred or eternal.
    The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. iv. 18.
    Is this an hour for temporal affairs? Shak.
  2. Civil or political, as distinguished from ecclesiastical; as, temporal power; temporal courts. Syn. -- Transient; fleeting; transitory.
Tem"po*ral noun
Definitions
  1. Anything temporal or secular; a temporality; -- used chiefly in the plural. Dryden.
    He assigns supremacy to the pope in spirituals, and to the emperor or temporals. Lowell.

Webster 1913