-tən(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from persister + -ence
1. : the action or fact of persisting : determined or stubborn continuance (as in a course of action) in spite of opposition
their persistence in pressing the invitation
annoyed by the salesman's persistence
2. : the quality or state of being persistent: as
a. : continued existence
the persistence of a fever
b. : power or capacity of continuing in a course in the face of difficulties : perseverance
developing persistence in children
c. : continuance of an effect after its cause is removed
persistence of smoke in the air
persistence of sounds
especially : afterimage — see persistence of vision