Per*sist"ent (?), a. [L.
persistens, -entis, p. pr. of persistere. See
Persist.] 1. Inclined to persist; having
staying qualities; tenacious of position or purpose.
2. (Biol.) Remaining beyond the period
when parts of the same kind sometimes fall off or are absorbed;
permanent; as, persistent teeth or gills; a persistent
calyx; -- opposed to deciduous, and caducous.