Ex Parte Cao et al

Patent Trial and Appeal Board

Mar 27, 2017

13675685 (P.T.A.B. Mar. 27, 2017)

United States Patent and Trademark Office
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
P.O.Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
www.uspto.gov
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.
13/675,685 11/13/2012 Han Cao 205950-0002-02-US.601087 2471
10872 7590 03/29/2017
Riverside Law LLP
Glenhardie Corporate Center, Glenhardie Two
1285 Drummers Lane, Suite 202
Wayne, PA 19087
EXAMINER
SISSON, BRADLEY L
ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER
1634
NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE
03/29/2017 ELECTRONIC
Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
following e-mail address(es):
dockets @ riversidelaw.com
dcoccia@riversidelaw.com
PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
Ex parte HAN CAO, JONAS O. TEGENFELDT,
STEPHEN CHOU, and ROBERT H. AUSTIN1
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
Technology Center 1600
Before MELANIE L. McCOLLUM, RICHARD J. SMITH, and
RYAN H. FLAX, Administrative Patent Judges.
FLAX, Administrative Patent Judge.
DECISION ON APPEAL
This is a decision on appeal under 35 U.S.C. § 134(a) involving
claims directed to a method of analyzing at least one macromolecule.
Claims 1—10 and 13—22 are on appeal as rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 101,
§ 102(e), § 112, second paragraph, and on the ground of non-statutory
obviousness type double patenting. We have jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C.
§ 6(b).
We reverse.
1 We understand the Real Party in Interest to be Princeton University. App.
Br. 3.
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
The Specification2 discloses, “[t]he present invention relates to
bionanotechnology and in particular to a method of fabricating a hybrid
microfluidic/nanofluidic device having a gradient structure formed by a
modified photolithography technique at the interface between microfluidic
and nanofluidic portions of the device and uses thereof.” Spec. 1:21—24.
“Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface
between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface
area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the
nanofluidic area.” Id. 3:23—25. “The gradient structures can be used to
squeeze and funnel biomolecules into a small nanofluidic area.” Id. 3:30—
31. The Specification discloses that such a structure can be used for analysis
of a sample, where a signal can be acquired, and “[t]he signal can be a
photon, electrical current/impedance measurement or change in
measurements.” Spec. 4:17—23.
The appealed claims can be found in the Claims Appendix of the
Appeal Brief. Claims 1,15, and 22 are independent claims; claim 1 is
representative and reads as follows:
1. A method of analyzing at least one macromolecule,
comprising the steps of:
providing a surface having a nanofluidic area formed of at least
one channel in the material of the surface;
a microfluidic area on said surface; and
2 References to the Specification (Spec.) herein are directed to the version
submitted February 12, 2013.
2
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
a gradient interface area between said nanofluidic area and
said microfluidic area;
introducing a sample into the microfluidic area, said sample
comprising at least one macromolecule;
transporting the at least one macromolecule between said
microfluidic area and said nanofluidic area to elongate said at
least one macromolecule;
detecting at least one signal transmitted from the at least one
elongated macromolecule; and
correlating the at least one detected signal to at least one property
of the at least one macromolecule.
App. Br. 51 (Claims App’x).
The following rejections are on appeal3:
Claims 1—10 and 13—22 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112, second
paragraph, as indefinite. Final Action 2.
Claims 1—10 and 13—22 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as
directed to patent ineligible subject matter (i.e., a law of nature, a natural
phenomenon, or an abstract idea, without significantly more). Id. at 26.
Claims 1—10 and 13—22 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(e) as
anticipated by Chou.4 Id. at 30.
Claims 1—10 and 13—22 stand rejected on the ground of non-statutory
obviousness type double patenting over the claims of Chou. Id. at 35.
3 The Examiner has withdrawn rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 112, first
paragraph, § 101 (utility), § 102(f), and under the doctrine of non-statutory
obviousness type double patenting (provisional rejection). Ans. 12—13.
4 U.S. Patent No. 7,670,770 B2 (issued to Chou et al. on Mar. 2, 2010)
(hereinafter “Chou”).
3
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
DISCUSSION
Indefiniteness
“[A] claim is indefinite when it contains words or phrases whose
meaning is unclear,” i.e., “ambiguous, vague, incoherent, opaque, or
otherwise unclear in describing and defining the claimed invention.” In re
Packard, 751 F.3d 1307, 1310-13 (Fed. Cir. 2014); see also MPEP
§ 2173.02(1) (Rev. 07.2015, Nov. 2015) (advising examiners that a rejection
for indefmiteness is appropriate “after applying the broadest reasonable
interpretation to the claim, if the metes and bounds of the claimed invention
are not clear”). We ask whether one of ordinary skill in the art would
understand what is claimed when the claim is read in light of the
Specification. Power-One, Inc. v. Artesyn Techs., Inc., 599 F.3d 1343, 1350
(Fed. Cir. 2010).
[A]s an initial matter, the PTO applies to the verbiage of the
proposed claims the broadest reasonable meaning of the words
in their ordinary [plain] usage as they would be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account whatever
enlightenment by way of definitions or otherwise that may be
afforded by the written description contained in the applicant’s
specification.
In re Morris, 127 F.3d 1048, 1054 (Fed. Cir. 1997). Also, terms of degree
are not per se indefinite.
Such broadening usages as “about” must be given reasonable
scope; they must be viewed by the decisionmaker as they would
be understood by persons experienced in the field of the
invention. Although it is rarely feasible to attach a precise limit
to [terms of degree, e.g.,] “about,” the usage can usually be
understood in light of the technology embodied in the invention.
4
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
Modine Manufacturing Co. v. U.S. ITC, 75 F.3d 1545, 1554 (Fed. Cir. 1996)
(internal quotation marks omitted). The fact that “some claim language may
not be precise . . . does not automatically render a claim invalid. When a
word of degree is used the district court [or examiner] must determine
whether the patent’s specification provides some standard for measuring that
degree.” Seattle Box Co. v. Indus. Crating & Packaging, Inc., 731 F.2d 818,
826 (Fed. Cir. 1984). We note the MPEP § 2173.01(III)(B) [Rev. R-
07.2015, Nov. 2015] indicates patent applicants may refer to an art-
recognized dictionary to provide a definition for a disputed claim term.
The Examiner determined that the term “macromolecule” used in
claims 1—7, 15—19, 21, and 22 is a relative term and is indefinite as not
defined by the claims or the Specification and the term does not have a
single, art-recognized definition. Final Action 2—3. The Examiner identifies
that there are multiple potential definitions for the term and this ambiguity
has not been resolved by Appellants. Final Action 4.
Appellants argue (App. Br. 10—11) “macromolecule” is a well
understood term and should be accorded its plain meaning, as evidence for
which Appellants cite to the following two dictionary definitions:
Merriam-Webster — “a very large molecule (as of a protein or
rubber)”;5 and
5 Merriam-Webster, macromolecule, available at http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/macromolecule (visited Mar. 17, 2017).
5
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
Dictionary.com—“a very large molecule, as a colloidal particle,
protein, or especially a polymer, composed of hundreds or
thousands of atoms.”6
Appellants also point (App. Br. 11) to the Specification, which identifies
examples of macromolecules as including “biopolymers such as a protein, a
polypeptide, and a nucleic acid such as RNA or DNA or PNA” and
polymers. Spec. 15:2-4 (corresponding to the published application’s 174),
14:1 (corresponding to the published application’s 1 69). Looking to the
Specification, we also note it discloses, “[i]n one embodiment of the present
invention, the method of analyzing a macromolecule measures the length of
macromolecules having an elongated length of greater than 150
nanometers.” Spec. 15:11—13.
We find Appellants have the better position. We find the skilled
artisan would understand the term “macromolecule,” in accordance with the
above-referenced dictionary definitions and, likewise, in view of the
Specification, to mean a very large molecule, such as a protein, e.g., one
having a “length of greater than 150 nanometers,” which comports with the
plain meaning.
The Examiner determined that the term “synthetic” used in claims 3—6
and 16—18 is indefinite because it is not clear how it defines a material
difference to a polymer (e.g., DNA is a polymer that occurs in nature). Final
Action 3. The Examiner did not accept Appellants’ contention that the term
6 Dictionary.com, macromolecule, available at
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/macromolecule (visited Mar. 17,
2017).
6
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
should have its plain meaning because it amounted to mere attorney
argument. Final Action 4—5.
Similar to their argument regarding “macromolecule,” Appellants
argue (App. Br. 11—12) “synthetic” is a common word with a dictionary
definition, which is: “noting or pertaining to compounds formed through a
chemical process by human agency, as opposed to those of natural origin:
synthetic vitamins; synthetic fiber.'’'’1 In view of this, Appellants contend the
skilled artisan “would have no difficultly in understanding” the term. Id. at
12.
We find Appellants have the better position. We find the skilled
artisan would understand the term “synthetic” in accordance with the
definition identified by Appellants, which comports with the plain meaning.
The Examiner determined the term “substantially unfolded” used in
claim 6 is a relative term and is indefinite as not defined by the claims or the
Specification. Final Action 3. The Examiner did not accept Appellants’
contention that the term should have its plain meaning because it amounted
to mere attorney argument. Final Action 5.
Appellants argue the words “substantially” and “unfolded” are each
well understood and discemable terms not needing explanation and, in using
the term “substantially unfolded,” the claims invoke the plain meaning.
App. Br. 12. Appellants contend the skilled artisan “would have no
difficulty in understanding” the terms. Id.
1 Dictionary.com, synthetic, available at
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/synthetic (visited Mar. 17, 2017).
7
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
We find Appellants have the better position. We understand the plain
meaning of “substantially” corresponds to “to a great or significant extent”
or “for the most part; essentially,”8 and the plain meaning of “unfolded”
corresponds to “not folded.”9 We find the skilled artisan would understand
the term “substantially unfolded” in accordance with its plain meaning.
The Examiner determined the term “progressively smaller” used in
claim 21 is a relative term and is indefinite as not defined by the claim or the
Specification. Final Action 3. The Examiner did not accept the Appellants’
contention that the term should have its plain meaning because it amounted
to mere attorney argument. Final Action 5—6.
Appellants argue the words “progressively” and “smaller” are each
well understood and discemable terms not needing explanation and, in using
the term “progressively smaller,” the claims invoke the plain meaning. App.
Br. 12. Appellants contend the skilled artisan “would have no difficultly in
understanding” the terms. Id.
We find Appellants have the better position. We find the plain
meaning of “progressively” corresponds to “increasing in extent or
severity”10 and the plain meaning of “smaller”11 corresponds to “having
8 Oxford Dictionary, substantially, available at
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/defmition/substantially (visited Mar. 20,
2017).
9 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, unfolded, available at https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/unfolded (visited Mar. 20, 2017).
10 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, progressive, available at
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progressively (visited Mar.
20, 1017).
11 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, small, available at https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/smaller (visited Mar. 20, 2017).
8
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
comparatively little size or slight dimensions” as compared to something
else. We find the skilled artisan would understand the term “progressively
smaller” in accordance with its plain meaning.
The Examiner determined the term “partially coiled” used in claim 22
is indefinite because one cannot determine its metes and bounds. Final
Action 3.
Appellants argue the words “partially” and “coiled” are each well
understood and discemable terms not needing explanation and in using the
term “partially coiled” the claims invoke the plain and ordinary meaning.
App. Br. 13. Appellants contend the skilled artisan “would have no
difficulty in understanding” this term. Id.
We find Appellants have the better position. We find the plain
meaning of “partially” corresponds to “to some extent: in some degree”12
and the plain meaning of “coiled” corresponds to describing the state of
something as being in “a series of loops.”13 We find the skilled artisan
would understand the term “partially coiled” in accordance with its plain
meaning.
For the reasons above, we find the disputed claim language is not
ambiguous, vague, incoherent, opaque, or otherwise unclear in describing
and defining the claimed invention and, so, we reverse the indefmiteness
rejection.
12 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, partially, available at https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/partiahy (visited Mar. 20, 2017).
13 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, coil, available at https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/coiled (visited Mar. 20, 2017).
9
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
Pa tent Eligibility
The Examiner determined claims 1—10 and 13—22 are directed to an
abstract idea, here mere mental steps (“detecting” and “correlating”
information, akin to reading a report and making a determination), and do
not recite additional elements sufficient to amount to “significantly more” so
as to transform the claims to cover patent eligible subject matter. Final
Action 26. The Examiner noted that claim 1 recites a “surface,” claim 15
recites a “chip,” and claim 22 recites a “device” — we note, each of these
structures has a nanofluidic area in communication with a microfluidic area
with a gradient interface therebetween. Id. at 26—27. The Examiner also
identified that claim 1 also recites steps such as transporting a
macromolecule between areas to elongate it and detecting a signal
transmitted from a macromolecule. Id. The Examiner determined concepts
such as these recited structures and steps to be well understood and routine
in the relevant art so as not to transform the claimed invention to be patent
eligible. Id. (citing Chou as teaching these “routine” concepts).
In analyzing patent eligibility questions under 35 U.S.C. § 101, the
Supreme Court instructs us to “first determine whether the claims at issue
are directed to a patent-ineligible concept.” Alice Corp. Pty Ltd. v. CLS
BankInt’l, 134 S. Ct. 2347, 2355 (2014). However, the Supreme Court “has
not established a definitive rule to determine what constitutes an ‘abstract
idea’” for the purposes of step one. See Enfish, LLC v. Microsoft Corp., 822
F.3d 1327, 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (citing Alice, 134 S. Ct at 2357). If this
initial threshold is met, we then move to a second step of the inquiry and
“consider the elements of each claim both individually and ‘as an ordered
10
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
combination’ to determine whether the additional elements ‘transform the
nature of the claim’ into a patent-eligible application.” Id. (quoting Mayo
Collaborative Servs. v. Prometheus Labs., Inc., 132 S. Ct. 1289, 1297
(2012)).
Taking up the first step of the patent-eligibility analysis, we find
claim 1 is not directed to an abstract idea. Per the Supreme Court’s holding
in Diehr, claims are patent eligible under § 101 “when a claim containing a
mathematical formula [or mental processes] implements or applies that
formula in a structure or process which, when considered as a whole, is
performing a function which the patent laws were designed to protect.”
Diamond v. Diehr, 450 U.S. 175, 192 (1981). In terms of the Alice test, the
Diehr claims were directed to an improvement in the rubber curing process,
not a mathematical formula or mental process and, so, not an abstract idea.
See Thales Visionix Inc. v. United States, — F.3d —, 2017 WL 914618 *3
(Fed. Cir. Mar. 8, 2017).
Just as the claims in Diehr reduced the likelihood that a rubber
molding process would result in “overcuring” or “undercuring,” see Diehr at
187, Appellants’ claims result in a method that improves analysis of
macromolecules, e.g., proteins or DNA, by providing and using an improved
substrate for doing so that more effectively transports, orients, and positions
the macromolecule for such analysis. Such a method is not directed merely
to an abstract idea, e.g., mental steps, but is directed to an improvement in
how macromolecules are analyzed.
11
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
Because we find the claims are not directed to an abstract idea, we
need not proceed to step two. Alice, 134 S.Ct. at 2355; see also Enfish, 822
F.3dat 1339. The claims are patent eligible under 35U.S.C. § 101.
Anticipation
We find the Examiner has not established that the claims are
anticipated by Chou. Appellants argue Chou does not teach providing a
surface comprising a gradient interface area between a nanofluidic area and
a micro fluidic area, as recited by claim 1. App. Br. 42^44. We agree.
The Examiner determined “[t]he area where the channel goes from
microfluidic to nanofluidic is deemed to meet the requirement of a
‘gradient’.” Final Action 30. In acknowledging Appellants’ argument that
Chou does not disclose the recited “gradient interface area,” the Examiner
points to Chou at col. 17:26—37 (Example 7), which states (emphasis added)
This example shows how a nanochannel array can be
prepared from a substrate having a plurality channels larger
than 150 nm wide by 150 nm deep. A substrate is prepared by
photolithography techniques to provide a plurality of channels
with width of greater than 1.5 micron using conventional
optical lithography techniques: Contact aligner such as Karl
Suss MA-6 to provide a pattern resolution at low micron level;
Industrial projection stepper. The angle of the incident
depositing beam of sealing material is varied to reduce the
trench width and height to less than 150 nm and 150 nm,
respectively, and to substantially seal by providing shallow
tangential deposition angles.
See Ans. 22—23. The Examiner determined that this disclosure of varying
the angle of material deposition creates a gradient. Id. 23. The Examiner is
12
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
not interpreting this disclosure correctly in view of the disputed claim
element.
In the portion of Chou reproduced above, the reference disclosed how
one of skill can narrow its otherwise-disclosed nanochannels, which, when
initially formed are more than a micron wide. Here, Chou is not disclosing
forming a gradient interface area between the nanochannels and a
microfluidic area, which is the disputed claim element. Thus, the Examiner
has not identified how Chou disclosed each and every claim element and
Appellants have the better position.
Double Patenting
Appellants argue “Chou does not teach, suggest, or claim a method
comprising providing a surface comprising a gradient interface area between
a nanofluidic area and a microfluidic area.” App. Br. 48. We agree with
Appellants to the extent Chou’s claims do not recite a microfluidic area or a
gradient interface area between a nanofluidic area and a microfluidic area;
and also do not recite introducing a sample into a microfluidic area or
transporting a macromolecule between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic
area. See Chou claim 1 et seq.
Obviousness-type double patenting entails a two-step analysis. First,
the allegedly conflicting claims are construed and, second, the difference(s)
between the claims are considered to determine whether the claims are
patentably distinct. See Eli Lilly & Co. v. Barr Labs., Inc., 251 F.3d 955,
968 (Fed. Cir. 2001). “A later patent claim is not patentably distinct from an
earlier patent claim if the later claim is obvious over, or anticipated by, the
13
Appeal 2016-001740
Application 13/675,685
earlier claim.” Id. Here, as we noted above, Appellants’ claims recite
subject matter not recited in Chou’s claims, thus, the scope of the respective
claims is not the same. We find the aforementioned elements of Appellants’
claims not recited by Chou’s claims would not have been obvious in view of
the claims of Chou.
SUMMARY
The rejection of claims 1—10 and 13—22 under 35 U.S.C. § 112,
second paragraph, as indefinite, is reversed.
The rejection of claims 1—10 and 13—22 under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as
directed to patent ineligible subject matter is reversed.
The rejection of claims 1—10 and 13—22 under 35 U.S.C. § 102(e) as
anticipated by Chou is reversed.
The rejection of claims 1—10 and 13—22 on the ground of non-
statutory obviousness type double patenting over the claims of Chou is
reversed.
REVERSED
14
Dates in MM-YYYY forma! are publication dates. Classifications may be US or foreign.
tJ.S. Patent and Trademark Office
PTO-892 (Rev. 01-2001) Notice o? References Cited Part of Paper No.
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under Patent
Notice of References Cited 13/675,685
Appeal No.
2016-001740
Examiner Art Unit
1600 Page 1 of 1
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
7C Document Number
Country Code-Number-Kind Code
Date
MM-YYYY Name Classification
A us-
B US-
C US-
D US-
E c CO
F US-
G US-
H US-
i US-
J US-
K US-
L US-
M c CO
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
* Document Number
Country Code-Number-Kind Code
Dste
MM-YYYY Country Name Classification
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
NON- PATE NT DOC U M ENTS
* include as applicable: Author, Title Date, Publisher, Edition or Volume, Pertinent Pages)
U Merriam-Webster Dictionary, unfolded, available at https://www.merriain-webster.com/dietionary/anfolded (visited Mar. 20,
2017).
V
w
X
*.A copy of this reference is not being furnished with this Office action. (See [ViPEP § 707.05(a).)
Dates in MM-YYYY forma! are publication dates. Classifications may be US or foreign.
tJ.S. Patent and Trademark Office
PTO-892 (Rev. 01-2001) Nolice o? References Cited Part of Paper No.
3/20/2017 Coiled | Definition of Coiled by Merriam-Webster
Follow:
• GAMES
• BROWSE THESAURUS
• WORD OF THE DAY
• VIDEO
• WORDS AT PLAY
• FAVORITES
SINCE 1828
Menu
>•••••= coiled
x
dictionary i thesaurus
An Encyclopaedia Rritanniea Company
• GAMES
• THESAURUS
• WORD OF THE DAY
• VIDEO
• WORDS AT PLAY
• FAVORITES
Follow:
Aoutoices
1
coil
play
noun \'k6i(-o)l\
Popularity: Bottom 40% of words
Examples: coil in a sentenceV
https ://www.m er ri am-webster.com/di ctionary/coi I ed 1/15
3/20/2017 Coiled | Definition of Coiled by Merriam-Webster
• Writing? Check vour grammar now!
Definition of coil
1. 1 : turmoil
2.2: trouble: also : everyday cares and worries when we have shuffled off this mortal coil — William
Shakespeare
Origin and Etymology of coil
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1567
THE 20
JUKE®
16 NISSAN
Starting At
As Snown '526,940 M8RP 2016 JUKt SL AVVDCVT, otlw optional
oci'jipmc-n: fjnov/i, sc
14th Century
First Known Use ofprogressive
14th century
progressive Synonyms
Synonyms
developed, evolved, forward, high, higher, improved, late, advanced, refined
Antonyms
backward, low, lower, nonprogressive, primitive, retarded, rude, rudimentary, undeveloped
Related Words
precocious: full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale: aged, grown, mature, matured, perfected, ripe, ripened: civilized-
educated. enhanced, enlightened: contemporary, current, cutting-edge, latest, leading-edge, mod, modern, new.
newest, newfangled, new-fashioned, novel, now, present-day, recent, space-age, supermodern, ultramodern, up-
to-date
Near Antonyms
green, immature, underdeveloped, undersized (also undersize! undeiweight. unripe, unripened: savage,
uncivilized, uneducated: early, embryonic, germinal, primeval, primordial: antediluvian, antiquated, antique.
dated, fusty, hoary, musty. Neanderthal {or Neandertal). obsolete, old, oldfangled, old-fashioned, old-time, out-
of-date. outworn, passe, past
2
progressive
noun pro • gres • sive
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progressively 3/12
3/20/2017 Progressively | Definition of Progressively by Merriam-Webster
Definition of progressive
la : one that is progressive^ : one believing in moderate political change and especially social
improvement by governmental action
2. 2 capitalized : a member of any of various U.S. political parties: such asa : a member of a predominantly
agrarian minor party that around 1912 split off from the Republicans; specifically : bull moose// : a
follower of Robert M. La Follette in the presidential campaign of 1924c : a follower of Henry A. Wallace
in the presidential campaign of 1948
See progressive defined for English-language learners
Examples of progressive in a sentence
1. “Believe” is never used in the progressive.
1844
First Known Use ofprogressive
1844
Phrases related to PROGRESSIVE
Related Phrases
• progressive tense
• the progressive
PROGRESSIVE Defined for English Language Learners
i
progressive
adjective pro• gres • sive \pro-' gre-siv\
Definition of progressive for English Language Learners
• : moving forward
• : happening or developing gradually over a period of time
• : using or interested in new or modem ideas especially in politics and education
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progressively 4/12
3/20/2017 Progressively | Definition of Progressively by Merriam-Webster
2
progressive
noun pro • gres • sive
Definition of progressive for English Language Learners
• : a person who favors new or modem ideas especially in politics and education
PROGRESSIVE Defined for Kids
progressive
jiky.
adjective pro• gres • sive \pro-' gre-siv\
Definition of progressive for Students
1. 1 : of, relating to, or showing advancement a progressive city
2.2: taking place gradually or step by step a progressive disease
3.5: favoring gradual political change and social improvement by action of the government
progressively
adverb
Medical Dictionary
progressive
play
adjective pro• gres • sive \pro-' gres-iv\
Medical Definition of progressive
1.1: increasing in extent or severity a progressive disease
2.2: of, relating to, or being a multifocal lens with a gradual transition between focal lengths progressive
bifocals
progressively
adverb
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progressively 5/12
3/20/2017 Progressively | Definition of Progressively by Merriam-Webster
Law Dictionary
progressive
adjective pro • gres • sive
Legal Definition of progressive
1. : increasing in rate as the base increases a progressive tax
Learn More about progressive
1. See words that rhyme with progressive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for progressive Spanish
Central: Translation of progressive Nglish: Translation of progressive for Spanish speakers Britannica
English: Translation of progressive for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up progressive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if
possible).
+ show™" hide
hackle
play
a hair or feather on the neck
fSkteWfflrihef the Day daily email!
programming
nmoramrrmiff Ifmomaop
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progressively 6/12
3/20/2017 Smaller | Definition of Smaller by Merriam-Webster
Follow:
• GAMES
• BROWSE THESAURUS
• WORD OF THE DAY
• VIDEO
• WORDS AT PLAY
• FAVORITES
SINCE 1828
Menu
;■■■■■; smaller
dictionary i thesaurus
An Encyclopaedia Britarmica Company
• GAMES
• THESAURUS
• WORD OF THE DAY
• VIDEO
• WORDS AT PLAY
• FAVORITES
Follow:
small
play
adjective \'smol\
Popularity: Top 40% of words
Examples: small in a sentenceV1,
Tip: Svnonvm guide V
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smaller 1/16
3/20/2017 Smaller | Definition of Smaller by Merriam-Webster
• Writing? Check vour grammar now!
Definition of small
la : having comparatively little size or slight dimensions// : lowercase
2. 2a : minor in influence, power, or rank// : operating on a limited scale
3.5: lacking in strength a small voice
4,4a: little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity)// : made up of few or little
units
5. 5a : of little consequence : trivial// : humble, modest
6. 6 : limited in degree
7. 7a : mean, petty// : reduced to a humiliating position
smallish
play Vsm6-lish\ adjective
smallness
play V sm61-nos\ noun
See small defined for English-language learners
See small defined for kids
Examples of small in a sentence
1. They live in a small house.
2. a small glass of soda
3. She moved to a smaller town.
4. The toy is small enough to fit in my pocket.
5. This room is a little smaller than that one.
6. The movie was a small success.
7. There are still a few small details we have to deal with.
8. It's only a small mistake.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smaller 2/16
3/20/2017 Smaller | Definition of Smaller by Merriam-Webster
9. The change had only a small impact on the community.
Origin and Etymology of small
Middle English smal, from Old English smcel; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek melon small
domestic animal
First Known Use: before 12th century
small Synonyms
Synonyms
bantam, diminutive, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint. Lilliputian, little, pint-size {or pint-sized). pocket, pocket-
size {also pocket-sized). puny, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, tovlike, undersized {also undersize)
Antonyms
big, biggish, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, husky, king-size {or king-sized), large, largish.
outsize {also outsized). overscale {or overscaled), oversize {or oversized), sizable {or sizeable), substantial, tidy,
whacking, whopping
Related Words
dwarf, toy: runtish, runty, scrubby, stunted: bitty, inappreciable, infinitesimal, little bitty, micro, microscopic
{also microscopical), mini, miniature, miniaturized, minikin, minim, minuscule, minute, pinpoint, teensv.
teensy-weensy, teeny, teeny-weeny, tiny, wee, weeny {also weensv): meager {or meagre), niggardly, poor.
scant, scanty, scarce, skimp, skimpy, slender, slim, spare, sparse, stingy: deficient, inadequate, insufficient,
lacking, wanting: bite-size {also bite-sized), capsule
Near Antonyms
bulky, hefty, hulking, massive, voluminous: boxcar. Brobdingnagian. Bunvanesque. cavernous, colossal,
cvclopean. elephantine, enormous, galactic, gargantuan, giant, gigantic, gross. Himalayan, herculean, heroic
{also heroical). huge, humongous {also humungous), immense, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monolithic.
monstrous, monumental, mountainous, pharaonic, prodigious, staggering, stupendous, titanic, tremendous, vast:
abundant, ample, appreciable, bountiful, copious, generous, healthy, liberal, plenteous, plentiful: fat, thick:
broad, wide: boundless, cosmic {also cosmical). immeasurable, incalculable, infinite: adequate, enough-
sufficient
Synonym Discussion of small
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smaller 3/16
3/20/2017 Smaller | Definition of Smaller by Merriam-Webster
small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size, small and little are often
interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number (a relatively
small backyard), little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness,
insignificance, or immaturity (yourpathetic little smile), diminutive implies abnormal smallness (diminutive
bonsai plants), minute implies extreme smallness (a minute amount of caffeine in the soda), tiny is an informal
equivalent to minute (tiny cracks formed in the painting), miniature applies to an exactly proportioned
reproduction on a very small scale (a dollhouse with miniature furnishings).
2
small
adverb
Definition of small
1. 1 : in or into small pieces
2.2: without force or loudness speak as small as you will — William Shakespeare
3.3: in a small manner
Before 12th Century
First Known Use of small
before 12th century
3
small
noun
Definition of small
1. 1 : a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder the small of the back
2. 2a smalls plural: small-sized products// smalls plural, chiefly British : smallclothes: especially :
underwear
See small defined for English-language learners
Examples of small in a sentence
1. These shirts are all smalls.
2. “What size ice-cream cones do you want?” “We'll take three larges and a small.”
15th Century
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smaller 4/16
3/20/2017 Smaller | Definition of Smaller by Merriam-Webster
First Known Use of small
15th century
SMALL Defined for English Language Learners
1
small
play
adjective \'smol\
Definition of small for English Language Learners
• : little in size
• : few in number or little in amount
• : not very important
3
small
noun
Definition of small for English Language Learners
• : something that is sold in a small size : something that is smaller than other things of the same kind
SMALL Defined for Kids
i
small
play
adjective \' smol\
Definition of small for Students
smaller
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smaller 5/16
3/20/2017 Smaller | Definition of Smaller by Merriam-Webster
smallest
1.7: little in size a small house
2.2: few in numbers or members a small crowd
3.3: little in amount a small supply
4. 4 : very young a small child
5.5: not very much small success
6.6 : unimportant There are some small details to work out.
1.7: operating on a limited scale small car dealers
8. 8 : very soft and quiet a small voice
9.9 : not generous : mean
10. 10 : made up of units of little worth small change
11. 11 : "humble 3, modest. She came from a small beginning.
12. 12 : lowered in pride After fumbling the ball, Ifelt pretty small.
13. 13 : being letters that are not capitals
smallness
noun
2
small
piav
noun
Definition of small for Students
1. : a part smaller and usually narrower than the rest the small of the back
Learn More about small
1. See words that rhyme with small Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for small Spanish Central:
Translation of small Nglish: Tran sl ation of small for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of
small for Arabic speakers
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smaller 6/16
3/20/2017 substantially - definition of substantially in English | Oxford Dictionaries
substantially IwAIv
Home British & World English substantially
Definition of substantially in tngiishi
ubstantially + :
ADVERB
; ne Oxford DmUonenes Word of
the Year 2016 is...
1 To a great or significant extent.
‘profits grew substantially’
[as submodifier] ‘substantially higher pension
costs’
More example sentence:; I Synonyms f
2 For the most part; essentially.
‘things will remain substantially the same over
the next ten years’
Drunk Texts, Squad Goals, and
Brewer's Droop: an Oxford
Dictionaries update
Mora example sememes I Synonyms.
Pronunciation
substantially /s8b'stanf(8)ii/
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/substantially 1/4
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
Follow:
• GAMES
• BROWSE THESAURUS
• WORD OF THE DAY
• VIDEO
• WORDS AT PLAY
• FAVORITES
SINCE 1828
Menu
;■■■■■; unfolded
dictionary thesaurus
An Encyclopaedia Rritanniea Company
• GAMES
• THESAURUS
• WORD OF THE DAY
• VIDEO
• WORDS AT PLAY
• FAVORITES
Follow:
BEL 1AG_ i O
A. $50 DINING CHED.IT PLUS
OUR BUST RATES
unfolded
play
adjective un • fold • ed \, on-' fol-dod\
Popularity: Bottom 20% of words
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 1/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
• Writing? Check your grammar now!
Definition of unfolded
1. : not folded
1683
First Known Use of unfolded
1683
Learn More about unfolded
1. Nglish: Translation of un folded for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unfolded for
Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up unfolded? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if
possible).
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 2/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
Hj° show855” hide
4 Comments Sort by Newest
Add a comment.,.
Danish Bajaj • REALTOR ©at Keiier Wiiliams-Rockwali
I read it in usa today newa
Like • Reply ■ Aug 26, 2016 8:34pm
Danish Bajaj • REALTOR ® at Keiier Williams-Rockwall
in usa tod ay news
Like ■ Reply ■ Aug 26, 2016 8:34pm
Jldsa Gasan a - Consultant at Airtel Rwanda
Can you use it in this manner "the story that was unfolded...."
Like ■ Reply ■ 1 • Mar 7,2012 7:30am
Isabella Cerioni ■ Miami, Florida
voces estao iindas!
Like ■ Reply • Sep 10, 2011 7:04am
ratebook Comments Plugin
WORD OF THE DAY
hackle
a hair or feather on the neck
Get Word of the Day daily email!
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 3/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
1. Erin go bragh An expression of loyalty that, means "Ireland forever"
2. transom 'Over the transom’
3. gvro Look it up
4. wiretap 'To tap a telephone or telegram wire in order to get information1
5. complicit ’She's beautiful...she's powerful..she’s complicit’
SEE ALL
Words at Play
Tblip/Turban. Cloak/Clock. & § Other Doublets
When two words come from the same source
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 4/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
What's the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy?
You don’t know how it feels
'Whereabouts': Is it Singular or Plural?
Don't let the '-s' fool you. Or do.
s' YX s s s ' Y s s s' Yss \'S ^ X ' s ^
\''S''5 'vV"S''
:::cx Y>:;sY\s;YY\\ss J::;-:X'^x-:Ys\ss:sVX•^:^Y Y\sYY•^::::::::::
X'"<\ ..................
5 *8
§ xJ!
S$9
$ *X
i;|;|||p;^Ps^
We Added a Ceiider-Neiatral Pronoun in 1934, Why Have So Few People Heard of It?
Whatever happened to 'thon'?
Ask the Editors
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 5/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
The Serial Comma
comma/
Isit T CqpM Care ..Less1-.or 'I ..Co.wldp't.C.are.Less.'?.
Because we care
Irregardiess
It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 6/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
moose moose
Weird Pfarals
One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What’s up with that?
Word Games
It’s A Not Easy Green Quiz
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 7/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz
Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Merriam Webster
Learn a new word every day. Delivered to your inbox!
j'Yburemail address i SUBSCRIBE jj > ]
OTHER MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARIES
• SPANISH CENTRAL
• LEARNER’S ESL DICTIONARY
• WORDCENTRAL FOR KIDS
• VISUAL- DICTIONARY
• SCRABBLE— WORD FINDER
• MERRIAM-WEBSTER’S UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY
• BRITANNICA ENGLISH - ARABIC TRANSLATION
• NGLTSH - SPANTSH-ENGUSH TRANSLATION
FOLLOW US
• faeebook
• twitter
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 8/10
3/20/2017
youtube
inst.agra.rn
Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
• Browse the Dictionary:
• a
• b
• c
• d
• e
• f
• g
• h
• i
• i
• k
- I
• m
• a
• o
• a
• i
• S
• t
• a
• Y
• W
• x
• Y
• L
• 0-9
Borne
About Us
• Advertising info
• Dictionary API
• About Our Ads
• Contact Us
• The Open Dictionary
• Word of the Year
• Law Dictionary
• Medical Dictionary
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Browse the Thesaurus
• Browse the Medical Dictionary
• Browrse the Legal Dictionary'
• Browse the Spanish-English Dictionary
©2017 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 9/10
3/20/2017 Unfolded | Definition of Unfolded by Merriam-Webster
Learn More from M-W
Tnlip/Tnrhan. Cloak/Clock. & 8 Other Doublets
Learn More from M-W
! shamrock!
It’s A Not Easy Green Quiz
Learn More from M-W
! sympathy!
Whai's the Difference Between mpatin a tat! Kmpatin?
Learn More from M-W
Itransom
Trending: ’It Came in the Mail Over the Transom1
Learn More from M-W
! serial-comma!
The Serial Comma
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfolded 10/10