patina

[pat-n-uh, puh-tee-nuh]

noun

1. a film or incrustation, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of old bronze and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.

2. a similar film or coloring appearing gradually on some other substance.

3. a surface calcification of implements, usually indicating great age.

patina

¹

/ ˈpætɪnə /

noun

1. a film of oxide formed on the surface of a metal, esp the green oxidation of bronze or copper See also verdigris

2. any fine layer on a surface

   a patina of frost

3. the sheen on a surface that is caused by much handling

patina

²

/ ˈpætɪnə /

noun

1. a broad shallow dish used in ancient Rome

Word History and Origins

Origin of patina¹

1740–50; < Italian: coating < Latin: pan. See paten

Word History and Origins

Origin of patina¹

C18: from Italian: coating, from Latin: _patina ²

Origin of patina²

from Latin, from Greek patanē platter

Example Sentences

If the Federal Reserve wants to maintain any patina of being nonpartisan, the senior staff should be strongly discouraged from making political donations, all of which are a matter of public record.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tracy Long’s project, titled Mamo, questions the sterility and uniformity of prefab design by adding layers of patina, warmth and natural connection to its modular system.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

All eyes are on this bag with neon yellow shoelace tassels as Thomas reaches for the worn leather strap — a patina that every leather goods owner hopes for, especially in a reclaimed vintage treasure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Simon’s band members for this stint — a dozen or so strong, spanning percussion, woodwinds and guitars — were mostly impressionists during this portion, adding distant bells and chamber flourishes to the patina of these songs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are clapboard houses, a main drag with businesses bearing charming vintage patina and lampposts bearing flags of the town's military veterans.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• blanket 
• coat 
• crust 
• glaze 
• layer 
• membrane 
• sheet 
• skin 
• varnish 
• veneer