IPA: /pætʃ/
KK: /pætʃ/
To connect or join temporarily, often used in the context of electronics.
The devices will patch together to share data for the project.
Past: patched
Past Participle: patched
A small piece of material used to cover a hole or repair something, or a piece of cloth worn for decoration or identification.
She sewed a colorful patch onto her backpack to make it look unique.
To fix or repair something, often by adding a piece or a temporary solution, especially in software or fabric.
The technician will patch the software to fix the security issue.
Past: patched
Past Participle: patched
Patch → The word originates from Middle English *pacche*, which is derived from Old French *pache*, meaning a piece or a small section. It refers to a piece of material used to cover or mend something.
Think of a small 'piece' ('pache') used to 'cover' or 'mend' something — that's what a patch does.