Definition of "Patent" :

noun: a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention

noun: an official document granting a right or privilege

verb: make open to sight or notice

"His behavior has patented an embarrassing fact about him."

verb: obtain a patent for

"Should I patent this invention?."

verb: grant rights to; grant a patent for

adjective: clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

"Patent advantages."

adjective: (of a bodily tube or passageway) open; affording free passage

"Patent ductus arteriosus."