'Permanent way' definitions:

Definition of 'Permanent way'

From: GCIDE
  • Permanent \Per"ma*nent\, 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]