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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