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patch

patch

32 3.8
A piece of code added to a program to fix a problem or improve it
  • noun
  • /pætʃ/
  • Specialized
: parche
  • You ever try the patch or gum?
  • security patch

There's been no software patch, so I'm I'm skeptical.

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Examples

  • I just have to fit the patch into place and power it up.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • This could just be a bad patch.

  • E, I only need a patch job.

  • Some engine work and a patch job on the hull, then we'll be on our way.

  • Program Change is a message to change to a different sound, patch, or group of patches.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Please try to reinitiate a patch and call me with the information.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The MIS group recently completed the needed patches on all the critical applications.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The developer released a patch to fix the software bugs that users reported.

  • After testing, the team implemented a critical patch to enhance the program's performance.

  • Users can download the latest patch to address security vulnerabilities in the application.

Synonyms

fix
vspatch
183 1.0

An action that makes something work again

is added to software to repair or improve functioning
correction
vspatch
168 2.7

A change that fixes a mistake in a document or report

is a code addition used to repair problems or improve performance

Antonyms

710 1.3

Not reaching what was planned or expected

bug
  • Specialized
110 2.8

An error in a computer program that makes it not work correctly

Idioms

To go through a short time with problems after a good time

Compounds

3 7.9

A small area of hair just under the lower lip above the chin

briar-patch
  • Informal
2 9.1

A difficult situation with many problems that is hard to leave

2 2.0

A small area in a garden where people grow vegetables

skin patch
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A small sticky pad with sensors that record or send health data

1 4.2

A cloth badge on a uniform shoulder showing rank or group

1 4.9

A flat pocket sewn onto the outside of a jacket or shirt

1 8.1

A thick area of prickly bushes that can scratch you

skin patch
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A small sticky pad that slowly sends medicine into the body

transdermal patch
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A sticky pad put on the skin that sends medicine into the blood slowly

patch test
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A test that puts small sticky pads with substances on skin to check for allergy

Peyer's patch
  • Specialized
1 9.1

A small area of tissue in the small intestine that helps the body fight germs

patch test
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A test that checks a software update works and does not cause new bugs

estradiol patch
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A small sticky medicine you put on your skin to replace the female hormone estradiol

How Extensive

to upgrade
208 3.5
to update
470 2.8
patch
  • Specialized
32 3.8
to hotfix
  • Specialized
1 4.9

Surface Forms

patch singular
patches plural

Etymology

A helpful way to remember the software patch is to think of it like a tiny cloth repair for code: a patch is a small piece added to 'fix' a program. So installing a patch repairs problems in the computer program.