Always just below the surface is a persistent strain of Classical severity and dignity.

But there is a persistent strain of pop songs about haves, have-nots, and the distance between them.

Threading through the history of garden design in the West is a persistent gothic strain, offering a counterpoint to more mainstream notions of beauty.

But as American history to the present shows with great clarity, there is a persistent strain of opposition to the entire concept of freedom of speech and association.

But this year, New Yorkers were also disproportionately assaulted by an aggressive and persistent strain of the flu, which made the shortage worse.

But the juxtaposition of Manning, not Dungy, as Belichick's opponent at the imaginary chess table underlines a subtle but persistent strain of thought in sports, one that spotlights black physicality while diminishing intellect.

In addition to these mythologizers, the family has had a persistent strain of genealogists, whom Will refers to as "climbers in the family tree," and all of whom, it seems safe to say, were intent on making the Hotspur connection.

But the most persistent strain is the Edwardian one.

They'd been here for six months, since her husband was sent here by their doctor to cure a persistent strain of bronchitis.

The persistent strain and a lack of rest contributed to his contracting of tuberculosis in the summer of 1868 and his premature death two years later.