Per·ma·nent a.  Continuing in the same state, or without any change that destroys form or character; remaining unaltered or unremoved; abiding; durable; fixed; stable; lasting; as, a permanent impression.
    Eternity stands permanent and fixed.   --Dryden.
 Permanent gases Chem. & Physics, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide; -- also called incondensible gases or incoercible gases, before their liquefaction in 1877.  The term is now archaic.
 Permanent way, the roadbed and superstructure of a finished railway; -- so called in distinction from the contractor's temporary way.
 Permanent white Chem., barium sulphate (heavy spar), used as a white pigment or paint, in distinction from white lead, which tarnishes and darkens from the formation of the sulphide.
 Syn: -- Lasting; durable; constant. See Lasting.

 ◄ ►