paten

noun pat·en \ ˈpa-tᵊn \

Definition of paten

1 : a plate usually made of precious metal and used to carry the bread at the Eucharist

2 a : plate

b : something (such as a metal disk) resembling a plate

See paten defined for kids

Recent Examples of paten from the Web

The collection also includes annual reports from parishes dating back to 1851, memorabilia and personal items, like the ceremonial chalice and paten given to the Rev. Richard Sherer when he was ordained in 1958 along with someone’s golf clubs.

— ken byron, courant.com, "Hartford Archdiocese Names New Archivist," 15 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paten.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of paten

Middle English, from Anglo-French patene, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin patina, from Latin, shallow dish, from Greek patanē

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Learn More about paten

See words that rhyme with paten

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up paten? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

play

widely and unfavorably known

BROWSE DICTIONARY

patellula

patellulate

paten

patency

patener

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games