Persistence, Persistency, n.
Etymology: [See Persistent.]
1. The quality or state of being persistent; staying or continuing quality; hence, in an unfavorable sense, doggedness; obstinacy.
2. The continuance of an effect after the cause which first gave rise to it is removed; as: (a) (Physics)
The persistence of motion. (b) (Physiol.) Visual persistence, or persistence of the visual impression; auditory persistence, etc.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for persistence; he lists it under industry.
Where he writes about it:
Patience works on in spite of annoyances; perseverance overcomes hindrances and difficulties; persistence strives relentlessly against opposition; persistence has very frequently an unfavorable meaning, implying that one persists in spite of considerations that should induce him to desist. — from industry