1. A property of a programming language where created objects and variables continue to exist and retain their values between runs of the program. 2. The length of time a phosphor dot on the screen of a href="module.php?name=Lexikon&file=search&eid=1&query=cathode ray tube">cathode ray tube will remain illuminated after it has been energised by the electron beam. Long-persistence phosphors reduce flicker, but generate ghost-like images that linger on screen for a fraction of a second. (1994-11-09)