Webster's English Dictionary

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persistent

per.sis.tent \-t*nt\ aj [L persistent-, persistens, prp. of persistere] 1a: 
   continuing or inclined to persist in a course  1b: continuing to exist in 
   spite of interference or treatment {a ~  cough} 2: existing for a long or 
   longer that usual time or continuously : as  2a: retained beyond the usual 
   period {a ~ leaf}  2b: continuing without change in function or structure 
   {~ gills}  2c: effective in the open for an appreciable time usu. through 
   slow volati lizing {mustard gas is ~} - per.sis.tent.ly av