adj. 1. a. Lasting an indefinitely long time; enduring: an author's perennial popularity among children. b. Appearing again and again or year after year; recurrent: a perennial contender for the championship. See Synonyms at continual. 2. Botany Living three or more years. 3. Lasting or active throughout the year: a perennial stream. n. 1. Botany A perennial plant. 2. Something that recurs or seems to recur on a yearly or continual basis: "that hardy perennial, the budget deficit" (David S. Broder). [Latin perennis (per-, throughout; see PER- + annus, year; see at- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots) + -AL1.] per·enni·al·ly adv. |
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