chronic
Definition: The term “chronic” is used to describe an illness, condition, or disease which has a long duration, continues for a long period of time, or lingers for some time.
The opposite of “chronic” is “acute”.
Source: Tuberculosis by Diane Lancey
Examples: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease which develops over a long period of time and continues to linger throughout a person’s lifespan.
