patter Hear it!

patter1 definition

pat·ter (pat′ər)

intransitive verb

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

Etymology: freq. of pat

noun

a series of quick, light taps the patter of rain on leaves
patter2 definition

pat·ter (pat′ər)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

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

Etymology: 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:

patter3 definition

pat·ter (pat′ər)

noun

a person or thing that pats

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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