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permanent

adj. · n.
US //ˈpɝmənənt// UK //pˈɜːmənənt// per·ma·nent
  1. 1 lasting forever (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    lasting for a long time or forever, and not expected to change.

    intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.

    Example

    She is looking for a permanent job rather than a summer contract.

    Example

    The treaty was intended to establish a permanent peace between the two nations after decades of border disputes.
  2. 2 hair treatment (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a chemical treatment that makes your hair curly for several weeks.

    a chemical hair treatment that produces long-lasting waves or curls.

    Example

    She went to the salon to get a permanent before the wedding.

    Example

    The stylist warned that getting a permanent on recently bleached hair could cause significant structural damage to the follicles.

    Usage

    Often shortened to 'perm' in everyday conversation.
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  1. 3 mathematics (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a specific number calculated from a square grid of numbers.

    a function of a square matrix similar to the determinant, but without using signs based on permutations.

    Example

    The professor explained how to calculate the permanent of the matrix.

    Example

    Computing the permanent of a large matrix is significantly more difficult than finding its determinant due to the lack of certain algebraic properties.

Origin

From Middle English permanent, permanente, from Middle French permanent, from Latin permanēns, from permaneō (“to stay through”). First attested in the 15th century.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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