patent

patent adj

L. patēnt-em, lying open.

1. Visible; unsealed; unstopped; accessible; open to view; [word play] legally available; free to be used.

patent n

originally short for letters patent, see patent, adj.

1. License; legal right to produce and sell.
2. Exclusive property; unique possession; special privilege.

patent [-ed] v

see patent, n.

1. Originate; create; invent; author.
2. Mark; stamp; brand; label; indicate; authenticate; distinguish; endorse; license; grant.