patent
noun
the exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a certain number of years.
patents
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pluralof patent.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof patent (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
patentnounthe exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a certain number of years.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The researchers have applied for patents covering the technology in several countries, and two patents have already been authorized.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
Svensson and Coassolo are inventors on patents regarding BRP peptides for metabolic disorders.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026
Biologic medications are too costly, even after their patents expire.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
The Basel-based group is facing the expiry of patents for a number of its drugs, including Entresto, a flagship treatment for heart failure.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
Alexander Graham Bell, working on development of a talking telegraph, got essential patents toward his efforts in 1876 and 1877, the year he and partners started the Bell Telephone Company.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
