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 : exemplar
2 : something designed or used as a model for making things <a dressmaker's pattern>
3 : an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form
4 : 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 bullets
7 : 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 football
9 : test pattern
10 : 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