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.
patented
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past participleof patent.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof patent.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
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.
Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Bisnoff was hired by McLear Ltd., a British company, to develop a U.S. market for McLear’s patented smart rings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026
"So this retains the biodegradability," she added, declining to reveal further details of the patented process.
From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026
If a patented drug is listed by the U.S. government as in short supply, compounders can legally produce it.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026
Then in 1781 James Watt patented a rotary steam engine that could turn a shaft and thus power a factory.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
Mitt, unconcerned, hopped a little dance, his patented jig, waving madly, legs pumping.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
