short-term memory

American  

noun

1. information retained in the brain and retrievable from it over a brief span of time (contrasted with long-term memory).

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short-term memory British  

noun

1. psychol that section of the memory storage system of limited capacity (approximately seven items) that is capable of storing material for a brief period of time Compare long-term memory

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short-term memory Cultural  

1. Retention of information that undergoes little processing or interpretation and can be recalled for only a few seconds. Short-term memory can retain about seven items.

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A popular example of short-term memory is the ability to remember a seven-digit telephone number just long enough to dial a call. In most cases, unless the number is consciously repeated several times, it will be forgotten.

Etymology

Origin of short-term memory

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"On one hand, he is able to generate short-term success but above all, he is someone who thinks and plans strategically for the long term."

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2021

Is short-term success being overvalued while coaches with lengthy resumes are being downgraded because of unreasonable expectations?

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2021

Money can lead to short-term success, but it’s no guarantee of sustainability.

From The Guardian • Feb. 18, 2019

He explained away Yost’s success with the Royals by saying: ‘‘There’s so much luck involved in short-term success.

From New York Times • Oct. 1, 2015

Christie’s New Hampshire trip was a short-term success.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2015