patter

(patər)

intransitive verb

  1. to make a patter
  2. to run or move along so as to make a patter

Origin: freq. of pat

noun

a series of quick, light taps: the patter of rain on leaves

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to speak or mumble rapidly or glibly; recite (prayers, etc.) mechanically or thoughtlessly

Origin: ME pateren < pater, in paternoster, as pronounced in rapid, mechanical recitation

noun

  1. language peculiar to a group, class, etc., and not generally understood by outsiders; cant; jargon
  2. the glib, rapid speech of salespeople, comedians, magicians, etc.
  3. idle, meaningless chatter

Related Forms:

noun

a person or thing that pats

See patter in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb pat·tered, pat·ter·ing, pat·ters
verb, intransitive
  1. To make a quick succession of light soft tapping sounds: Rain pattered steadily against the glass.
  2. To move with quick, light, softly audible steps.
verb, transitive
To cause to patter.
noun
A quick succession of light soft tapping sounds: the patter of rain on the rooftops.

Origin:

Origin: Frequentative of pat1

.

verb pat·tered, pat·ter·ing, pat·ters
verb, intransitive
  1. To speak or chatter glibly and rapidly.
  2. To mumble prayers in a mechanical manner.
verb, transitive
To utter in a glib, rapid, or mechanical manner.
noun
  1. The jargon of a particular group; cant.
  2. Glib rapid speech, as of an auctioneer, salesperson, or comedian.
  3. Meaningless talk; chatter.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English pateren

Origin: , shortening and alteration of paternoster, paternoster (from the mechanical and rapid recitation of the prayer); see paternoster

.

Related Forms:

  • patˈter·er noun

Learn more about patter

link/cite print suggestion box