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1540s, from Middle French persistance, from persistant "lasting, enduring, permanent," from Latin persistentem (nominative persistens), present participle of persistere (see persist). Often spelled persistance 16c. Related: Persistency.
persistence per·sist·ence (pər-sĭs'təns, -zĭs'-)
Continuance of an effect after the cause is removed.
Continuance of a part or an organ, rather than having it disappear in an early stage of development.