perennial
perennial Lexical Profile
perennial Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
"Traffic congestion remains a perennial problem for commuters in major metropolitan areas."
(Of a plant) living for several years, typically with new herbaceous growth from a part that survives from season to season.
"We planted perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme so we would not have to replant them every spring."
(Of a stream, river, or spring) flowing continuously throughout the year without drying up.
"The valley's agriculture depends heavily on a perennial stream fed by high-altitude snowmelt."
• noun
A plant that lives for more than two years, typically dying back in the winter and returning in the spring from rootstock.
"The garden border is filled with hardy perennials such as peonies, hostas, and lavender."
Word Nuance & Usage
In botany, do not confuse 'perennial' (living for more than two years) with 'annual' (completing its life cycle in one growing season) or 'biennial' (requiring two years to complete its biological life cycle).
• Rhymes for perennial
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 17th century from Latin 'perennis' ('lasting through the year'), formed from 'per-' ('through') and 'annus' ('year'), with the English suffix '-al' added.