perseveration

noun per·sev·er·a·tion \pər-ˌse-və-ˈrā-shən\

Definition of PERSEVERATION

: continuation of something (as repetition of a word) usually to an exceptional degree or beyond a desired point

— per·sev·er·ate \-ˈse-və-ˌrāt\ intransitive verb

— per·sev·er·a·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

Latin perseveration-, perseveratio, from perseverare

First Known Use: 1910

Medical Dictionary

noun per·sev·er·a·tion \pər-ˌsev-ə-ˈrā-shən\

: continual involuntary repetition of a mental act usually exhibited by speech or by some other form of overt behavior

Next Word in the Dictionary: perseverePrevious Word in the Dictionary: perseverantAll Words Near: perseveration

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