patulous

adjective

pat·u·lous ˈpa-chə-ləs

: spreading widely from a center

a tree with patulous branches

Word History

Etymology

Latin patulus, from patēre to be open — more at fathom

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of patulous was in 1616

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Patulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patulous. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

patulous

adjective

pat·u·lous ˈpach-ə-ləs

: spread widely apart : wide open or distended

a patulous eustachian tube

patulousness noun

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