adjective

1. bearing or enduring pain, trouble, etc. without complaining or losing self-control
2. refusing to be provoked or angered, as by an insult; forbearing; tolerant
3. calmly tolerating delay, confusion, inefficiency, etc.
4. able to wait calmly for something desired
5. showing or characterized by patience a patient face
6. steady; diligent; persevering a patient worker
7. Rare receiving action; passive

Etymology: ME pacient < OFr < L patiens, patient, prp. of pati: see passion

noun

1. a person receiving care or treatment, esp. from a doctor
2. Rare a person who receives an action
3. Gram. the word or words designating the person or thing affected by the action of the verb