patterning

noun

pat·​tern·​ing ˈpa-tər-niŋ 

1

: decoration, composition, or configuration according to a pattern

2

: physical therapy especially for neurological impairment based on a theory holding that repeated manipulation of body parts to simulate normal motor developmental activity (such as crawling or walking) promotes neurological development or repair

Examples of patterning in a Sentence

The wallpaper is decorated with floral patterning.

Recent Examples on the Web

The new generative AI is in the midst of being devised, such as scanning the Internet and patterning on how humans write. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Takes on tartan patterning were also featured as wardrobe choices in the front row of the fashion show. —Julia Teti, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025

The engravings from the Amud Cave artifacts, meanwhile, were found to have no clear orientation or patterning, consistent with functional use as tools for wearing down, smoothing or polishing. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

The technique is able to accomplish this feat by combining patterning and annealing in a single step. —IEEE Spectrum, 16 May 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

patterning

noun

pat·​tern·​ing

: physical therapy especially for neurological impairment based on a theory holding that repeated manipulation of body parts to simulate normal motor developmental activity (as crawling or walking) promotes neurological development or repair