Patch

Definition

Patch generally refers to a piece of cloth or other material used to mend or cover a hole or tear, or a software update designed to fix or improve its function.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pætʃ/
• Respelling: PATCH (with "PATCH" as in "catch")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pætʃ/
• Respelling: PATCH (similar to American English, with "PATCH" as in "catch")

In both dialects, "patch" is pronounced with a single, stressed syllable. The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the clear articulation of the "PATCH" part.

Etymology

The word "patch" is derived from the Old French word pache, meaning "spot, stain," which may have its roots in the Vulgar Latin patta, possibly from Greek pētte, "piece of cloth."

Derivatives

• Patchwork
• Patchy
• Patchable
• Patchiness
• Repatch

Synonyms

• Mend
• Repair
• Piece

Antonyms

• Rip
• Tear
• Rend

Usage

"Patch" is a versatile word that can refer to both a physical mend (such as on clothing) and a digital correction or enhancement, like in computer programs. Its applications range from the tangible and visual, like a quilt made up of multiple patches, to the conceptual, as in "patching up" a relationship.

Related Terms

• Seam
• Stitch
• Update
• Upgrade
• Bugfix

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A small piece of cloth, leather, or similar material used to repair a tear or hole in something.
• Example: "She sewed a patch on the elbow of her sweater."

• A software update meant to fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or improve its operation.
• Example: "The company released a patch to address the security issue."

• A small area or portion of something, distinctly different in nature or condition from its surroundings.
• Example: "A patch of blue sky on an otherwise cloudy day."

Verb

• To repair or mend using a patch.
• Example: "I patched my jeans where they were torn."

• To update or fix software by implementing a set of modifications.
• Example: "The developer patched the program after users reported bugs."

• To mend or repair a thing or situation.
• Example: "They patched their differences and became friends again."