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 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.