permanent way

noun

, British.

1. the roadbed and track of a railroad.

permanent way

noun

1. the track of a railway, including the ballast, sleepers, rails, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent way¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

It’s clear that the pandemic has changed dining as we know it, sometimes in potentially permanent ways.

From Washington Post

So to hopefully avoid creating new problems by saying this is the new permanent way we do things, we need to say, “Let’s try this and let’s see how this goes.”

From Freakonomics

Stimulus works when it is novel and rare, not a permanent way of life.

From The Daily Beast

There is a sharp curve in the permanent way outside the station, so that a train is on you all of a sudden.

From Project Gutenberg

They did not expect to see such fine carriages, such handsome dining saloons, nor such permanent way and stations.

From Project Gutenberg

He patented, with these modifications of the permanent way, several of his improvements of the engine.

From Project Gutenberg

While paying this visit he said that he would like to show his regard for the great man in some permanent way.

From Project Gutenberg

He gently kicked a little pebble from the dingy gray-drab of the asphalt on to the permanent way.

From Project Gutenberg