First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1permanent
adjective per·ma·nent \-nənt\
: lasting or continuing for a very long time or forever : not temporary or changing
Full Definition of PERMANENT
: continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change : stable
— per·ma·nent·ly adverb
— per·ma·nent·ness noun
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Origin of PERMANENT
Related to PERMANENT
Synonym Discussion of PERMANENT
lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established. lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely <a book that left a lasting impression on me>. permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely <permanent living arrangements>. durable implies power to resist destructive agencies <durable fabrics>. stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced <a stable government>.
2permanent
noun
Definition of PERMANENT
: a long-lasting hair wave or straightening produced by mechanical and chemical means —called also permanent wave
See permanent defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PERMANENT
1925
PERMANENTLY Defined for Kids
permanent
adjective per·ma·nent \ˈpər-mə-nənt\
Definition of PERMANENT for Kids
: lasting or meant to last for a long time : not temporary <Some permanent changes will be made.>
— per·ma·nent·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
permanent
adjective per·ma·nent \ˈpərm(-ə)-nənt\
Medical Definition of PERMANENT
: of, relating to, or being a permanent tooth <permanent dentition>
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