per·pe·tu·i·ty

[pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo-]
noun, plural per·pe·tu·i·ties.
1.
the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in ): to desire happiness in perpetuity.
2.
endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
3.
something that is perpetual.
4.
an annuity paid for life.
5.
Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.
Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English perpetuite < Latin perpetuitās. See perpetual, -ity

Related forms
non·per·pe·tu·i·ty, noun, plural non·per·pe·tu·i·ties.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To perpetuity
00:10
Perpetuity is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
perpetuity (ˌpɜːpɪˈtjuːɪtɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n , pl -ties
1.  eternity
2.  the state or quality of being perpetual
3.  property law a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law
4.  an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely
5.  in perpetuity for ever
 
[C15: from Old French perpetuite, from Latin perpetuitās continuity; see perpetual]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

perpetuity
c.1400; see perpetual.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
It requires that land remain in its natural state for a stipulated period or in perpetuity.
Bookies thought the positions were theirs in perpetuity.
As negotiated, the new treaty would integrate that promise in perpetuity.
Life did not arise all over the planet at once and each population of lifeforms stayed in those places in perpetuity.
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