patentable
UK[ˈpeɪtəntəbl̩]US[ˈpæt̬.ən.t̬ə.bl̩]
adj
able to be patented; meeting the legal requirements to receive a patent.
Morpheme Breakdown
patent
able
patent
open, protected
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'patentable' is built upon the core concept of 'patent', which originates from the latin verb 'patere', meaning "to lie open". this root evolved through medieval latin 'patens' (open letter) to denote an official document open for public inspection, granting exclusive rights. the suffix '-able', of latin origin via old french, attaches to verbs to form adjectives indicating capacity or suitability. therefore, 'patentable' literally means "capable of being made into an open document of protection", logically evolving to describe an invention that meets the criteria to receive such a legal, exclusive right.
Analysis
Structure: patent (open, protected) + able (capable of)
patent: from latin 'patent-', 'patens' (lying open, evident), present participle of 'patere' (to lie open). functions as the core root denoting openness or official protection.
able: from latin '-abilis', a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to". functions as a derivational suffix.
Examples
the inventor consulted a lawyer to determine if her new process was patentable.
not every novel idea is automatically patentable; it must also be non-obvious and useful.
the company's research and development focuses on creating patentable technologies to secure a competitive advantage.