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permanent wave
permanent wave
Noun
pl: permanent waves
This term refers to a specific cosmetic procedure, commonly known as a perm. It carries a connotation of semi-permanence, as the chemical alteration of the hair structure lasts until the treated hair grows out or is chemically reversed.
In modern usage, the full phrase "permanent wave" is considered formal or technical, typically found in salon service menus or historical texts. In everyday conversation, the shortened form "perm" is almost universally preferred.