perennial

A plant, specifically one that people grow in their gardens, which will survive seasonal extremes (usually winter), and therefore not have to be planted again and again. Some will have a dormant stage in which they appear dead. The chrysanthemum is one such well-known flower. Some plants can be considered perinnals in one part of the globe, but will become annuals if moved to colder climes. An annual, on the other hand, only lasts for one growing season.

Per*en"ni*al (?), a. [L. perennis that lasts the whole year through; per through + annus year. See Per-, and Annual.]

1.

ing or continuing through the year; as, perennial fountains.

2.

Continuing without cessation or intermission; perpetual; unceasing; never failing.

The perennial existence of bodies corporate. Burke.

3. Bot.

Continuing more than two years; as, a perennial steam, or root, or plant.

Syn. -- Perpetual; unceasing; never failing; enduring; continual; permanent; uninterrupted.

© Webster 1913.

Per*en"ni*al, n. Bot.

A perennial plant; a plant which lives or continues more than two years, whether it retains its leaves in winter or not.

© Webster 1913.