pa·tio /ˈpætiˌo ||ˈpɑ-/
  天井
  Pa·ti·o n.  Metal A paved yard or floor where ores are cleaned and sorted, or where ore, salt, mercury, etc., are trampled by horses, to effect intermixture and amalgamation.
  Note: ☞ The patio process is used to reduce silver ores by amalgamation.
  2. In Spain, Spanish America, etc., a court or courtyard of a house or other building; esp., an inner court open to the sky.
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  patio
       n : usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence [syn: terrace]