patina

American  

[pat-n-uh, puh-tee-nuh] / ˈpæt n ə, pəˈti nə /

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.

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patina ¹ British  

/ 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

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patina ² British  

/ ˈpætɪnə /

noun

1. a broad shallow dish used in ancient Rome

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Etymology

Origin of patina

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

Example Sentences

If you want dinner with a literary patina, grab the French onion soup at Michel’s Christiania, a favorite of longtime resident Ernest Hemingway.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the affected neighborhoods is Jabriyat, a wealthy area overlooking the camp that has the feel of a ghost town, where villas bear the dusty patina of abandonment.

From Los Angeles Times

I learned to force a patina—a controlled oxidation to protect the blade—with vinegar.

From The Wall Street Journal

Camara called criticism that she and other candidates were being allowed to run only to give the election a patina of authenticity a "narrow-minded view".

From Barron's

This quick ritual keeps the patina slick, durable and rust-free.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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