An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A regular or repetitive form, order, or arrangement; a distinctive form. → diffraction pattern; → interference pattern.
   

2. In the → density wave model, a region of enhanced stellar density (arm or bar) in the → Galactic disk.
   → pattern speed.

Etymology (EN): M.E. patron, from O.Fr. patron, from M.L. patronus
“patron saint, lord, master, model, pattern,” from pater “father.”

Etymology (PE): Olgu “pattern,” from Turkish ülgü “form, mold, model.”