Definitions

1. noun

A exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor or assignee for a limited period in exchange for a disclosure of an invention.

“The company applied for a patent for their new smartphone technology.”

2. verb

To secure the exclusive right to make, use, or sell something, especially an invention.

“The inventor patented his new machine to prevent others from making a profit from it.”

3. verb

To add a prefix or suffix to a word, especially to make it into a plural form.

“The word ‘cat’ can be patented by adding the suffix ‘-s’ to form the plural ‘cats’.”

4. adjective

Relating to or resembling a patent, especially in being official or formal.

“The patent office issued a patent-approved design for the new building.”