pat|ent

pat|ent «n., adj. 1, 4, 6, v. PAT uhnt; adj. 2, 3, 5 PAY tehnt, PAT uhnt; especially British PAY tuhnt», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. a government grant which gives a person or company sole rights to make, use, or sell a new invention for a certain number of years: »

Patents…are not issued for an idea, but for a specific device, process, or machine that is presumably workable (Alfred L. Kroeber).

2. an invention that is given a patent: »

The telephone was finally established as Bell's patent.

3. an official document from a government giving a right, privilege, or office; letters patent: »

Alva…received an especial patent…by which Philip empowered him to proceed against all persons implicated in the troubles (John L. Motley).

4. Figurative. a sign or token indicating a right to something; leave to possess something.

5. a) the instrument by which public land is granted to a person. b) the land so granted.

6. a local, minor civil division in Maine.

–adj.

1. a) given or protected by a patent: »

a patent stove. A patent right is an exclusive right to an invention.

b) of or having to do with patents: »

patent law.

2. open to view or knowledge; evident; plain: »

It is patent that cats dislike dogs.

SYNONYM(S): obvious, manifest, palpable.

3. a) open, as a door, tube, or the passage through which the breath flows. b) open to general use; public.

4. appointed to a right, privilege, or office, by a patent.

5. Biology. spreading; expanded, as a plant's petals.

6. (of flour) of high quality; superior: »

Millers blend straight flour from…patent, or best-quality flour, and first and second clear flours (W. B. Dohoney).

–v.t.

1. a) to get a patent for: »

Edison patented many inventions.

b) to grant a patent to.

2. U.S. to obtain a patent right to (land).

╂[< Latin patēns, -entis, present participle of patēre lie open]

–pat´ent|a|ble, adjective.