Meaning of persistent

per•sist•ent

1. persisting, esp. in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering: a most annoyingly persistent young man.
2. lasting or enduring tenaciously: the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.
3. constantly repeated; continued: persistent noise.
1. continuing or permanent.
2. having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.
5. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.