pat
Pronunciation: (pat), [key] — v., n. pat•ted, pat•ting,
—v.t. - to strike lightly or gently with something flat, as with a paddle or the palm of the hand, usually in order to flatten, smooth, or shape: to pat dough into flat pastry forms.
- to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc.
- to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps.
—v.i. - to strike lightly or gently.
- to walk or run with light footsteps.
- to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.
- to praise, congratulate, or encourage: The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday.
—n. - a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object.
- the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps.
- a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.: a pat of butter.
- a word of praise, congratulations, or encouragement: Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then.
pat
Pronunciation: (pat), [key] — adj.
- exactly to the point or purpose; apt; opportune: a pat solution to a problem.
- excessively glib; unconvincingly facile: His answers were too pat to suit the examining board.
- learned, known, or mastered perfectly or exactly: to have something pat.
—adv. - exactly or perfectly.
- aptly; opportunely.
- See (def. 37).
- The government must stand pat in its policy.
- to cling or hold firm to one's decision, policy, or beliefs:The government must stand pat in its policy.
- Poker.to play a hand as dealt, without drawing other cards.
Pat
Pronunciation: (pat), [key] — n.
- a male given name, form of
- a female given name, form of
PAT
- point after touchdown; points after touchdown.
- preauthorized automatic transfer.
pat.
- patent.
- patented.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.