Origin: Latin suffix -al
Temporal has 10 different meanings across 2 categories:
the semantic role of the noun phrase that designates the time of the state or action denoted by the verb
"In linguistic analysis, the temporal argument identifies when the event occurs relative to other actions."
Anything temporal or secular; a temporality.
"The surgeon examined the patient's temporal region to check for fractures in the temporal bone."
Ellipsis of temporal bone.
In plain English: In this context, temporal is not used as a noun but rather as an adjective meaning related to time or temporary and lasting only for a short period.
"The temporal spent hours studying ancient history before heading home for dinner."
of or relating to or limited by time
"temporal processing"
"temporal dimensions"
"temporal and spacial boundaries"
"music is a temporal art"
Of or relating to the material world, as opposed to sacred or clerical.
"The surgeon carefully avoided the temporal artery while performing the delicate procedure near the side of his patient's head."
Of or situated in the temples of the head or the sides of the skull behind the orbits.
In plain English: Temporal means relating to time rather than space or eternity.
"The temporal limits of our meeting mean we must finish by five o'clock."
Usage: Use "temporal" when referring specifically to matters related to time, such as in phrases like "temporal changes," rather than using it for physical locations on the head which are now rarely described this way. Avoid confusing it with "temporary," as temporal implies a connection to chronology or duration while temporary simply means short-lived.
The word entered English via Middle English and Old French with the meaning of "worldly" or "transitory." It ultimately derives from Latin temporālis, which originally described things relating to time as opposed to eternity.