patented

Everyday

1. Got a patent: an official right that says only the inventor may make or sell an invention for a number of years. tree →
2. (adjective) Protected by a patent. tree →
3. (informal, joking) Special and typical of one person: Dad's patented pancake flip. tree →

In the lessons

In science and history lessons inventors patented their machines so others could not copy them. In everyday ads, a product may be a patented design. In jokes people call their own trick patented. Phrases: patented invention, a patented design, have it patented.

Examples

• The inventor patented his new kind of light bulb. tree →
• This patented zip never gets stuck. tree →
• She patented her idea before showing it to any company. tree →
• You cannot copy a patented machine without permission. tree →
• Here comes Grandma's patented chocolate cake! tree →
• The design was patented, so other firms had to pay to use it. tree →

Note

Patent can be said PAT-ent or PAY-tent. Patent leather is shiny leather and has nothing to do with inventions. A patent is for inventions; a copyright is for books, music and art; a trademark is for names and logos.