Persistors

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Entities that continue steadfastly in a course of action despite obstacles or opposition, individuals who endure or remain active over time, or systems that maintain operation without interruption
2. Persons or things characterized by ongoing determination to sustain efforts or existence amid challenges, those who persist without yielding, or mechanisms that operate continuously without cessation
3. Agents that uphold continued effort or presence despite resistance or difficulty, beings known for longevity in pursuit or activity, or devices and processes designed to remain effective and unbroken through time

Etymology: "Persistors" is the plural of "persistor," which means one who persists, and it is simply "persist" with the agent suffix "-or" attached. "Persist" came into English from Latin "persistere," meaning to stand firm or continue steadfastly, built from "per," meaning through or thoroughly, and "sistere," to stand or take a stand. The "-or" ending, borrowed from Latin "-or," marks a person or thing that performs an action, as in "actor" or "editor." Because "persistor" is a straightforward formation from an existing verb, its meaning follows directly from its parts: a persistor is someone who stands firm through repeated effort, and the plural names a group of such people.

Synonyms: survivors, holders, continuers