Patent

Pronunciation: /ˈpætənt/

Patent (noun)

  1. official right to make or sell an invention for a certain time.

Examples

  • The inventor applied for a patent to protect his new design.
  • Without a patent, anyone can copy the invention.

Common collocations: apply for a patent, grant a patent, patent application, patent protection, patent mistake

Patent (adjective)

  1. very clear or easy to see.

Examples

  • It was patent that the plan would fail.
  • Her excitement was patent to everyone in the room.

Synonyms of Patent

Formal

Neutral

Antonyms of Patent

  • — When discussing openness or public knowledge.