patina
Americannoun
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a film or incrustation, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of old bronze and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.
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a similar film or coloring appearing gradually on some other substance.
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a surface calcification of implements, usually indicating great age.
noun
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a film of oxide formed on the surface of a metal, esp the green oxidation of bronze or copper See also verdigris
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any fine layer on a surface
a patina of frost
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the sheen on a surface that is caused by much handling
noun
Etymology
Origin of patina
1740–50; < Italian: coating < Latin: pan. See paten
Explanation
If you have an old bronze sculpture with a surface that has oxidized and turned green or brown, that coating is called a patina. A patina can appear on anything made of metal. A patina can also be the shiny surface on wooden furniture that you get after years and years of polishing. You can also use the word in a metaphorical sense, to describe somebody who has acquired some surface character that doesn't go very deep — like the tycoon who has a patina of sophistication but only pretends to be interested in art and literature.
Vocabulary lists containing patina
Musty Dusty Words for National Old Stuff Day
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2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
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The Grapes of Wrath
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Patina Maldives is one of dozens of ultra-luxe resorts offering guests wildly lavish dining experiences.
From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025
Greenspan, a Le Cordon Bleu alum and Patina veteran, launched into L.A.’s culinary scene with his Californian-French restaurant the Foundry in 2007.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2025
Patina twirled her way all over the world, from Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach to the Berlin Metro, from Roman ruins to Gothic cathedrals.
From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2022
Brooke Giannetti is an interior designer who writes the blog Velvet and Linen, where she chronicles the family gardens, animals and lifestyle at Patina Farm, their home in Ojai.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 20, 2021
"Now," he said, looking at his roll sheet, "let's see what we can do with you newbies. Lu, Patina, Sunny, on the line!"
From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
