pat·u·lous \ˈpachələs\adjective Etymology: Latin patulus, from patēre to be open — more at fathom 1.: spread widely apart : wide open : distended < a wound with patulous margins > 2.: spreading widely from a center : loosely or diffusely expanded or spread out < an old apple with patulous branches > • pat·u·lous·lyadverb • pat·u·lous·nessnoun-es