patent

Meanings

Noun

• A product in respect of which a patent (sense 1.2.2) has been obtained.
• The combination of seven bets on three selections, offering a return even if only one bet comes in.

Verb

• To be closely associated or identified with (something); to monopolize.

Adjective

• Conspicuous; open; unconcealed.
• Explicit and obvious.
• Of a branch, leaf, etc.: outspread; also, spreading at right angles to the axis.
• Protected by a legal patent.
• To which someone has, or seems to have, a claim or an exclusive claim; also, inventive or particularly suited for.

Origin

• The noun is derived from Middle English patent, which is either:
• a , lettres patente, lettres patentes; or
• directly from Anglo-Norman and Middle French patente (modern French patent), a clipping of Anglo-Norman lettres patentes, Middle French lettres patentes, lettre patente, and Old French patentes lettres (compare Late Latin patens, littera patens, litterae patentes).
• For the derivation of Anglo-Norman and Middle French patente in lettre patente, see etymology 2 below.
• The verb is derived from the noun.
• From Middle English patent, patente, from Anglo-Norman and Middle French patent (modern French patent), and directly from their etymon Latin patēns, the present active participle of pateō, from Proto-Indo-European *peth₂-.