persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsi-stənt
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such 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 infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently
adverb
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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