I. i-ˈtər-n ə l 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? — Mark 10:17 (Revised Standard Version)
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 -nə-ˌlīz transitive verb
• eter·nal·ly -n ə l-ē adverb
• eter·nal·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 1573
1. capitalized : god 1 — used with the
2. : something eternal