Per*sist"ent (?), a. [L. persistens, -entis, p.
pr. of persistere. See
Persist.]
1. Inclined to persist; having staying
qualities; tenacious of position or purpose.
2.
(Biol.) Remaining beyond the period when parts of the same kind
sometimes fall off or are
absorbed; permanent; as,
persistent teeth
or gills; a persistent calyx; --
opposed to deciduous,
and caducous.
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