What is continuing for a long time; lingering; habitual. Chronic disease, one which is inveterate, of long continuance, or progresses slowly, in distinction from an acute disease, which speedly terminates called?

chronic — Continuing for a long time; lingering; habitual. Chronic disease, one which is inveterate, of long continuance, or progresses slowly, in distinction from an acute disease, which speedly terminates. (Webster's 1913.)