Noah Webster
Persistent
PERSIST'ENT
PERSIST'ING, adjective In botany, continuing without withering; opposed to marcescent; as a persisting stigma; continuing after the corol is withered, as a persistent calyx; continuing after the leaves drop off, as a persistent stipule; remaining on the plant till the fruit is ripe, or till after the summer is over, as a persistent leaf.
PERSIST'ING, participle present tense Continuing in the prosecution of an undertaking; persevering.