patent

³pat·ent

verb \same as ²\

Definition of PATENT

transitive verb

1

: to obtain or grant a patent right to

2

: to grant a privilege, right, or license to by patent

3

: to obtain or secure by patent; especially : to secure by letters patent exclusive right to make, use, or sell

— pat·ent·abil·i·ty \ˌpa-t^ən-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē, British also ˌpā-\ noun

— pat·ent·able \ˈpa-t^ən-tə-bəl, British also ˈpā-\ adjective

Examples of PATENT

1. The product was patented by its inventor.

First Known Use of PATENT

1675