patient meaning and definition

PATIENT noun

Definition of patient (noun)

1. a person who requires medical care
   • "the number of emergency patients has grown rapidly"
2. the semantic role of an entity that is not the agent but is directly involved in or affected by the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
   • synonyms: affected role, patient role

PATIENT adjective

Definition of patient (adjective)

1. enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance
   • "a patient smile"; "was patient with the children"; "an exact and patient scientist"; "please be patient"
   • antonym: impatient