plural of paten

(Christianity) The plate used to hold the host during the Eucharist. / (archaeology) Any shallow dish found in an archaeological site.

(medicine) The condition or state of being patent, and (usually) moreover, the degree of openness (of a tube, such as a blood vessel or catheter); the relative absence of blockage. Measured in percent.

plural of patency

To (successfully) register (a new invention) with a government agency to obtain the sole privilege of its manufacture, sale, and use for a specified period.

An official document granting an appointment, privilege, or right, or some property or title; letters patent.

(baking) Of flour: fine, and consisting mostly of the inner part of the endosperm of the grain from which it is milled.

(Britain) A medicine that is protected by a patent. / (US) Any medicine with a proprietary formula which can be bought without a prescription, irrespective of whether it is protected by a patent.

(law) Rare form of letters patent (“a type of legal document in the form of an open letter issued by an authority granting a monopoly, right, status, or title to a person or organization”).

plural of letter patent