Main Entry:

¹pat·tern

Pronunciation:

\ˈpa-tərn\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English patron, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin patronus

Date:

14th century

1: a form or model proposed for imitation : exemplar2: something designed or used as a model for making things <a dressmaker's pattern>3: an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form4: a natural or chance configuration <frost patterns> <the pattern of events>5: a length of fabric sufficient for an article (as of clothing)6 a: the distribution of shrapnel, bombs on a target, or shot from a shotgun b: the grouping made on a target by bullets7: a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution <a behavior pattern> <spending patterns>8 a: the flight path prescribed for an airplane that is coming in for a landing b: a prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football9: test pattern10: a discernible coherent system based on the intended interrelationship of component parts <foreign policy patterns>11: frequent or widespread incidence <a pattern of dissent> <a pattern of violence>

synonyms see model

— pat·terned \-tərnd\ adjective

— pat·tern·less adjective