permanent

¹per·ma·nent

adjective \-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

Examples of PERMANENT

1. She made a permanent home in this country.
2. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause permanent skin damage.
3. The museum's permanent collection includes works of art from the 18th century.
4. The transcripts will serve as a permanent record of the proceedings.

Origin of PERMANENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French parmanant, from Latin permanent-, permanens, present participle of permanēre to endure, from per- throughout + manēre to remain — more at per-, mansion

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PERMANENT

Synonyms

ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, immortal, everlasting, perpetual, undying, unending

Antonyms

impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient

Related Words

durable, enduring, lasting, long-lived, persistent, stubborn; imperishable, indefeasible, indefectible, indelible, indestructible, indissoluble, inexpungible; timeless; abiding, stable, standing, steadfast, steady, unfailing, unfaltering; continual, continuing, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting

Near Antonyms

ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, transitory; interim, provisional, short-term

See Synonym Discussion at lasting

²permanent

noun

Definition of PERMANENT

:  a long-lasting hair wave or straightening produced by mechanical and chemical means —called also permanent wave

First Known Use of PERMANENT

1925

per·ma·nent

adjective \ˈpərm(-ə)-nənt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PERMANENT

: of, relating to, or being a permanent tooth <permanent dentition>