obvious

ob·vi·ous   (ŏb'vē-əs)    adj.   Easily perceived or understood; quite apparent. See Synonyms at apparent. Easily seen through because of a lack of subtlety; transparent: an obvious political ploy. Archaic Standing in the way or in front. [From Latin obvius, from obviam, in the way, within reach : ob-, against; see ob- + viam, accusative sing. of via, way; see wegh- in Indo-European roots.] ob'vi·ous·ly adv., ob'vi·ous·ness n.

Main Entry: ob·vi·ous
Function: adjective
: easily seen, discovered, or understood; specifically : readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in a particular art considering the scope and content of the prior art —see also PATENT
NOTE: An invention that is found to be obvious cannot be patented. —ob·vi·ous·ness noun