Definition of paten

< patelliform

patency >

pat·en also pat·in    (ptn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A plate, usually of gold or silver, that is used to hold the host during the celebration of the Eucharist. Also called patina¹.
2. A plate or shallow dish, especially an artifact from an ancient civilization.
3. A thin disk of or resembling metal.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French patene, from Medieval Latin patina, from Latin, pan, from Greek patan, platter; see pet- in Indo-European roots