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

Learn more about "eternal" and related topics at Britannica.com

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