from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Eternal \E*ter"nal\, a. [F. ['e]ternel, L. aeternalis, fr.
aeternus. See {Etern}.]
1. Without beginning or end of existence; always existing.
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The eternal God is thy refuge. --Deut.
xxxiii. 27.
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To know wether there were any real being, whose
duration has been eternal. --Locke.
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2. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting;
endless; immortal.
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That they may also obtain the salvation which is in
Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. --2 Tim. ii.
10.
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3. Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless;
constant.
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And fires eternal in thy temple shine. --Dryden.
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4. Existing at all times without change; immutable.
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Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed.
--Dryden.
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What are the eternal objects of poetry among all
nations, and at all times? --M. Arnold.
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5. Exceedingly great or bad; -- used as a strong intensive.
"Some eternal villain."
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{The Eternal City}, an appellation of Rome.
Syn: Everlasting; endless; infinite; ceaseless; perpetual;
interminable. See {Everlasting}.
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