Main Entry:

¹eter·nal

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈtər-n^əl\

Function:

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>3archaic : 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^əl-ē\ adverb

— eter·nal·ness noun