Definition of patent

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< patency

patented >

pat·ent    (ptnt) KEY  

NOUN:

1. 1. A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time.
   2. Letters patent.
   3. An invention protected by such a grant.
2. 1. A grant made by a government that confers on an individual fee-simple title to public lands.
   2. The official document of such a grant.
   3. The land so granted.
3. An exclusive right or title.

ADJECTIVE:

1. 1. Protected or conferred by a patent or letters patent: a patent right.
   2. Of, relating to, or dealing in patents: patent law.
2. (also ptnt) Obvious; plain. See Synonyms at apparent.
3. (ptnt) Biology
   1. Not blocked; open.
   2. Spreading open; expanded.
4. Of, relating to, or being a nonprescription drug or other medical preparation that is often protected by a trademark.
5. Of high quality. Used of flour.
6. (also ptnt) Archaic Open to general inspection. Used especially of documents.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pat·ent·ed , pat·ent·ing , pat·ents

1. To obtain a patent on or for (an invention, for example).
2. To invent, originate, or be the proprietor of (an idea, for example).
3. To grant a patent to or for.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, document granting a right, short for (lettre) patent, open (letter), from Old French (lettre) patente, from Latin patns , patent-, open, present participle of patre, to be open; see pet- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
patent·a·bili·ty (Noun), patent·a·ble (Adjective)

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