patent patent /ˈpætənt/

adjective

1. Clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment  ( manifest , palpable , patent , apparent , evident , plain , unmistakable , unmistakeable )
   clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
    The effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields
   the effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields
    Evident hostility
   evident hostility
    Manifest disapproval
   manifest disapproval
    Patent advantages
   patent advantages
    Made his meaning plain
   made his meaning plain
    It is plain that he is no reactionary
   it is plain that he is no reactionary
    In plain view
   in plain view
    A palpable lie
   a palpable lie
   
2. (of a bodily tube or passageway) open; affording free passage  ( patent )
   (of a bodily tube or passageway) open; affording free passage
    Patent ductus arteriosus
   patent ductus arteriosus
   

noun

1. () A document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention  ( patent of invention , patent )
   a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention
   
2. (law) an official document granting a right or privilege  ( letters patent , patent )
   (law) an official document granting a right or privilege
   

verb

1. () Obtain a patent for  ( patent )
   obtain a patent for
    Should I patent this invention?
   Should I patent this invention?
   
2. Make open to sight or notice  ( patent )
   make open to sight or notice
    His behavior has patented an embarrassing fact about him
   His behavior has patented an embarrassing fact about him
   
3. Grant rights to; grant a patent for  ( patent )
   grant rights to; grant a patent for