Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER-EN'NI-AL, a. [L. perennis; per and annus, a year.]

1. Lasting or continuing without cessation through the year. – Cheyne.
2. Perpetual; unceasing; never failing. – Harvey.
3. In botany, continuing more than two years; as, a perennial stem or root. – Martyn.
4. Continuing without intermission; as a fever. – Cosa.