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n. 1. b. A natural or accidental arrangement or sequence: the pattern of rainfall over the past year. 2. a. A plan, diagram, or model to be followed in making things: a dress pattern. b. A model or original used for imitation or as an archetype. See Synonyms at ideal. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Enough material to make a complete garment. 6. A test pattern. 7. The flight path of an aircraft about to land: a flight pattern. 8. Football A pass pattern. v. pat·terned, pat·tern·ing, pat·terns v.tr. 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. v.intr. To make a pattern. |
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