Main Entry: ²pat·ent

Pronunciation: \ˈpa-t^ənt, British also ˈpā-\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : an official document conferring a right or privilege : letters patent
2 a : a writing securing for a term of years the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention b : the monopoly or right so granted c : a patented invention
3 : privilege, license
4 : an instrument making a conveyance of public lands; also : the land so conveyed
5 : patent leather