adj.
Pronunciation: i- ' t ə r-n ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin aeternalis, from Latin aeternus eternal, from aevum age, eternity ― more at AYE
Date: 14th century
1 a : having infinite duration : EVERLASTING < eternal damnation> b : of or relating to eternity c : characterized by abiding fellowship with God <good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ― Mk 10:17(RSV)>
2 a : continued without intermission : PERPETUAL <an eternal flame> b : seemingly endless < eternal delays>
3 archaic : INFERNAL <some eternal villain ⋯ devised this slander ― Shakespeare>
4 : valid or existing at all times : TIMELESS < eternal verities>
– eter · nal · ize \ -n ə - ˌ l ī z \ transitive verb
– eter · nal · ly \ -n ə l- ē \ adverb
– eter · nal · ness noun