n.
Pronunciation: same as 2
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1675
1 : to obtain or grant a patent right to
2 : to grant a privilege, right, or license to by patent
3 : to obtain or secure by patent especially : to secure by letters patent exclusive right to make, use, or sell
– pat · ent · abil · i · ty \ ˌ pa-t ə n-t ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē , Brit also ˌ p ā - \ noun
– pat · ent · able \ ' pa-t ə n-t ə -b ə l, Brit also ' p ā - \ adjective