: spreading widely from a center
a tree with patulous branches

Word History

Etymology

Latin patulus, from patēre to be open — more at fathom

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patulous was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near patulous

Cite this Entry

“Patulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patulous. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

patulous

adjective
: spread widely apart : wide open or distended
a patulous eustachian tube
patulousness noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!