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 patent2 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 invention3: privilege, license4: an instrument making a conveyance of public lands ; also : the land so conveyed5: patent leather