Category:Permanent

Per"ma*nent, a. Etym: [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.]

Defn: 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 or incoercible gases, Before their liquefaction in 1877. -- 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.