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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Eternity stands permanent and fixed. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Lasting; durable; constant. See Lasting. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A wave or curl in the hair that lasts for months and is made durable by treating the hair with chemicals when it is curled.
Syn. -- permanent wave. [ PJC ]

adv. In a permanent manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. aAfabric that has been chemically processed to resist wrinkles and hold its shape.
Syn. -- permanent press, permanent-press fabric, durable press, durable-press fabric. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adj. Having a permanent crease, or remaining unwrinkled without pressing; -- used of fabrics that do not require ironing.
Syn. -- drip-dry. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. A wave or curl in the hair that lasts for months and is made durable by treating the hair with chemicals when it is curled.
Syn. -- permanent. [ PJC ]

2. The process of treating the hair with chemicals to create a permanent wave{ 1 }. [ PJC ]