Per"ma*nent (?), a. [L. permanens, -entis, p.pr. of permanere to stay or remain to the end, to last; per + manere to remain: cf. F. permanent. See Per-, and Mansion.]
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 ∨ incoercible gases, before their liquefaction in 1877.<-- 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.
© Webster 1913.