a government authority or licence conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention

he took out a patent for an improved steam hammer

patent leather

designs in a wide range of textures featuring super-chic patent, soft suede, or sophisticated nappa

he wore black trousers and black patent shoes

easily recognizable; obvious

she was smiling with patent insincerity

(of a vessel, duct, or aperture) open and unobstructed; failing to close

the patient is usually left with a patent vessel

made and marketed under a patent; proprietary

patent milk powder