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>
3 archaic : 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