pattern
pattern (pătʹərn) noun
1. a. A model or an original used as an archetype. b. A person or thing considered worthy of imitation.
2. A plan, diagram, or model to be followed in making things: a dress pattern.
3. A representative sample; a specimen. See synonyms at ideal.
4. a. An artistic or decorative design: a paisley pattern. See synonyms at figure. b. A design of natural or accidental origin: patterns of bird formations.
5. A consistent, characteristic form, style, or method, as: a. A composite of traits or features characteristic of an individual or a group: one's pattern of behavior. b. Form and style in an artistic work or body of artistic works.
6. a. The configuration of gunshots upon a target that is used as an indication of skill in shooting. b. The distribution and spread, around a targeted region, of spent shrapnel, bomb fragments, or shot from a shotgun.
7. Enough material to make a complete garment.
8. A test pattern.
9. The flight path of an aircraft about to land: a flight pattern.
verb
patterned, patterning, patterns
verb, transitive
1. To make, mold, or design by following a pattern: We patterned this plan on the previous one. My daughter patterned her military career after her father's.
2. To cover or ornament with a design or pattern.
verb, intransitive
To make a pattern.
[Middle English patron, from Old French. See patron.]