Definition of: continual

(kən·tin′y·əl) adjective
1. Renewed in regular succession; often repeated.
2. Continuous (in time); uninterrupted. ♦ While continual is limited to continuity in time, and continuous refers to either space or time, usage now tends further to limit continual to the sense of “continuing after interruptions,” in which sense it is not interchangeable with continuous.
—con·tin′u·al·ly adverb Synonyms: ceaseless, constant, continuous, incessant, invariable, perpetual, regular, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting, unvarying. Continuous describes that which is absolutely without pause or break; continual, that which often intermits, but as regularly begins again. A similar distinction is made between incessant and ceaseless, but ceaseless may have the further meaning of unending, perpetual. Constant is sometimes used in the sense of continual; but its chief reference is to steadiness, as of purpose, sentiment, or movement; as, constant devotion; constant advance. See PERPETUAL.