persistent

adjective per·sis·tent \pər-ˈsis-tənt, -ˈzis-\

: continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop

: continuing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time : not stopping or going away

Full Definition of PERSISTENT

: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: as

a : retained beyond the usual period <a persistent leaf>

b : continuing without change in function or structure <persistent gills>

c : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing <mustard gas is persistent>

d : degraded only slowly by the environment <persistent pesticides>

e : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation <persistent viruses>

a : continuing or inclined to persist in a course(see persist)

b : continuing to exist despite interference or treatment <a persistent cough> <has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years>

— per·sis·tent·ly adverb

See persistent defined for English-language learners

See persistent defined for kids

Examples of PERSISTENT

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report “America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength.” Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
[+]more [-]hide

Origin of PERSISTENT

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere (see persist)

First Known Use: 1826

Related to PERSISTENT

Synonyms: dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, tenacious

Rhymes with PERSISTENT

assistant, consistent, existent, insistent, resistant, subsistent

PERSISTENT Defined for Kids

persistent

adjective per·sist·ent \pər-ˈsi-stənt\

Definition of PERSISTENT for Kids

: continuing to act or exist longer than usual <a persistent cold>

— per·sist·ent·ly adverb

Medical Dictionary

persistent

adjective per·sis·tent \-tənt\

Medical Definition of PERSISTENT

: existing or continuing for a long time: as a : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing <mustard gas is persistent> b : degraded only slowly by the environment <persistent pesticides> c : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation <persistent viruses>

: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment <a persistent cough> <has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years>