[ 'pat(ə)nt , 'peɪt- ]
■ noun a government licence to an individual or body conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to make, use, or sell an invention.
■ adjective 'peɪt(ə)nt
1》 easily recognizable; obvious.
2》 made and marketed under a ~.
3》 Medicine (of a duct or aperture) open and unobstructed.
↘(of a parasitic infection) showing detectable parasites in the tissues or faeces.
■ verb obtain a ~ for (an invention).
Derivatives
patency noun
~able adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. ~- , patere 'lie open'; cf. letters ~ .