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permanent

Pronunciation: /ˈpəːm(ə)nənt/

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Definition of permanent

adjective

  • lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely:a permanent ban on the dumping of radioactive waste at sea damage was not thought to be permanent some temporary workers did not want a permanent job
  • lasting or continuing without interruption:he’s in a permanent state of rage

noun

North American
  • a perm for the hair: a woman with a home permanent

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin permanent- 'remaining to the end' (perhaps via Old French), from per- 'through' + manere 'remain'

Spelling help

Remember that permanent ends with -ent.

permanent in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of permanent in the US English dictionary