pat 1
(păt)v. pat·ted, pat·ting, pats
v.tr.1. a. To tap gently with the open hand or with something flat.
b. To stroke lightly as a gesture of affection. See Synonyms at
caress.
2. To mold by tapping gently with the hands or a flat implement.
v.intr.1. To run or walk with a tapping sound.
2. To hit something or against something gently or lightly.
n.1. A light gentle stroke or tap.
2. The sound made by a light stroke or tap or by light footsteps.
3. A small mass shaped by or as if by patting: a pat of butter.
Idiom: pat on the back An expression or gesture of praise or approval: Let's give them a pat on the back for doing a good job.
[From Middle English, a blow, perhaps of imitative origin.]
pat 2
(păt)adj.1. a. Suitable; fitting: "Suggestions about her reasons for going are made indirectly, lightly and ambiguously; no pat explanation is offered" (Janna Malamud Smith).
b. Fitting or satisfactory in a superficial or contrived way, especially in being trite or glib: "The dialogue is sometimes stilted and the ending too pat" (Leonard Malkin).
2. Games Being a poker hand that is strong enough to make drawing cards unlikely to improve it.
adv. Informal Readily or perfectly as a result of memorization or familiarization: They've got the system down pat. He has the lesson pat.
pat′ly adv.
pat′ness n.
PAT
abbr. point after touchdown
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
patness
(ˈpætnəs) nthe characteristic of being pat; appropriateness; aptness
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. | patness - timely convenienceconvenience - the quality of being useful and convenient; "they offered the convenience of an installment plan" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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