short-lived substance
nounUK /ˌʃɔːtˈlɪvd ˈsʌbstəns/
US /ˌʃɔːrtˈlɪvd ˈsʌbstəns/
A short-lived substance is something that only lasts for a little while.
The bubbles in the soda are a short-lived substance that disappears quickly.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A chemical that breaks down or disappears soon after it is made.
The short-lived substance in the lab had to be used within minutes.
3. A material that loses its effect quickly.
The medicine contains a short-lived substance that wears off in an hour.
4. Something that exists only for a brief moment in nature.
The glow of the firefly comes from a short-lived substance in its body.