inveterate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite habitual
    chronic.
    • a chronic smoker
  2. adverb in a habitual and longstanding manner
    chronically.
    • smoking chronically

WordNet

In*vet"er*ate adjective
Etymology
L. inveteratus, p. p. of inveterare to render old; pref. in- in + vetus, veteris, old. See Veteran.
Definitions
  1. Old; long-established. Obs.
    It is an inveterate and received opinion. Bacon.
  2. Firmly established by long continuance; obstinate; deep-rooted; of long standing; as, an inveterate disease; an inveterate abuse.
    Heal the inveterate canker of one wound. Shak.
  3. Having habits fixed by long continuance; confirmed; habitual; as, an inveterate idler or smoker.
  4. Malignant; virulent; spiteful. H. Brooke.
In*vet"er*ate transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To fix and settle by long continuance. Obs. Bacon.

Webster 1913