Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - patient

 I. adjective  Etymology: Middle English pacient, from Anglo-French, from Latin ~-, patiens, from present participle of pati to suffer; perhaps akin to Greek pema suffering  Date: 14th century  1. bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint  2. manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain  3. not hasty or impetuous  4. steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity  5.  a. able or willing to bear — used with of  b. susceptible, admitting ~ of one interpretation  • ~ly adverb  II. noun  Date: 14th century  1.  a. an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment  b. the recipient of any of various personal services  2. one that is acted upon