perennial

& 8. [Lat. perenni (s)=lasting, from per through, and ann us a year; Eng. adj. suff. -al; O. Fr. perenne; Ital. perenne; Sp. perenne, perennal.] IMG:content-0878.png:[blocks in formation] 1. Lit. & Bot .: A plant that continues for many years. A plant, as a rule, exhausts itself by the effort of flowering, but trees and shrubs do not flower till they have acquired strength enough to bear this strain. They are perennials, continuing to exist, though they flower every year. 2. Fig .: Anything that is lasting or enduring. pě-rěn'-ni-al-ly, adv . [Eng. perennial; -ly.) In a perennial manner; so as to be perennial or lasting; continually, unceasingly.