perennial

Etymology

1644, from Latin perennis (“lasting through the whole year”), from per- (“through”) + annus (“year”) + -al; equivalent to per- +‎ -ennial.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pəˈɹɛni.əl/

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Adjective

perennial (not comparable)

1. Lasting or remaining active throughout the year, or all the time.

   a perennial stream

2. (botany, of a plant) Having a life cycle of more than two years. Compare annual, biennial.
3. (figuratively) Continuing without cessation or intermission; perpetual; permanent; unceasing; never failing.
   • 1790, Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France

     The perennial existence of bodies corporate and their fortunes are things particularly suited to a man who has long views…

4. (figuratively) Enduring; lasting; timeless.

   His artwork has a perennial beauty.

5. (figuratively) Recurrent; appearing or recurring again and again.

   Change is a perennial theme in politics.

Noun

perennial (plural perennials)

1. A perennial plant; a plant that is active throughout the year or survives for more than two growing seasons. Compare annual, biennial.