permanent

[ pur-muh-nuhnt ]
/ ˈpɜr mə nənt /

adjective

existing perpetually; everlasting, especially without significant change.
intended to exist or function for a long, indefinite period without regard to unforeseeable conditions: a permanent employee; the permanent headquarters of the United Nations.
long-lasting or nonfading: permanent pleating; permanent ink.

noun

Also called permanent wave. a wave or curl that is set into the hair by the application of a special chemical preparation and that remains for a number of months.

Origin of permanent

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin permanent- (stem of permanēns), present participle of permanēre to remain. See per-, remain, -ent

OTHER WORDS FROM permanent

British Dictionary definitions for permanent wave (1 of 2)

permanent wave

noun

another name (esp formerly) for perm 1 (def. 1)

British Dictionary definitions for permanent wave (2 of 2)

permanent
/ (ˈpɜːmənənt) /

adjective

existing or intended to exist for an indefinite period a permanent structure
not expected to change for an indefinite time; not temporary a permanent condition

Derived forms of permanent

permanently, adverb

Word Origin for permanent

C15: from Latin permanens continuing, from permanēre to stay to the end, from per- through + manēre to remain