Wiktionary
n. (context physics English) A material, or piece of such material, which retains its magnetism even when not subjected to any external magnetic fields.
WordNet
n. a magnet that retains its magnetism after being removed from a magnetic field [syn: static magnet]
Usage examples of "permanent magnet".
It was held in place by a powerful, permanent magnet of the new type of metal which held several hundred times the magnetism that ordinary steel would retain.
The electromagnetic part, called the rotor, pushes magnetically against a stationary permanent magnet, the stator.
The little transmitters had a thumb-screw-operated clamp attached, and there was even a powerful permanent magnet embedded in one side so that they could be tossed against a moving car and would cling there.
Fifty metres long - fifty metres in most directions - bristling with glittering sails like enormous blades, they looked like the result of some monstrous permanent magnet being thrown into a hopper full of exotic edged weapons.