patina
[pat-n-uh, puh-tee-nuh]
- a film or incrustation, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of old bronze and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.
- a similar film or coloring appearing gradually on some other substance.
- a surface calcification of implements, usually indicating great age.
Show More
Also patine [puh-teen] /pəˈtin/.
Origin of patina
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for patina
Contemporary Examples
Organicness, too, can offer a patina of healthfulness to unsavory substances.
Sandoval has also managed to burnish his image with a patina of integrity in the scandal-scarred Silver State.
The latter provided numbers, passion, righteousness, self-righteousness, and a patina of faux populist clout.
Patina Miller in Pippin is the polar opposite of a princess—hard-edged and icy, wearing black pants and boots, oozing power.
They grounded the curious and unexpected fabrics with their texture and patina.
Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquiere Shows Whispers of Brilliance in Spring 2013 CollectionRobin Givhan
September 27, 2012
Historical Examples
Soon it would acquire a patina and become part of the jungle.
When the Owl CriesPaul Bartlett
Patina is a most fascinating subject, once you get thoroughly into it.
The Abandoned FarmersIrvin S. Cobb
In fact among friends I am now getting to be known as the Patina Kid.
The Abandoned FarmersIrvin S. Cobb
The percentage of lead in the patina has also slightly increased.
The Preservation of AntiquitiesFriedrich Rathgen
If there is a tone or patina, that should be pure and uniform.
The Confessions of a CollectorWilliam Carew Hazlitt
patina1
- a film of oxide formed on the surface of a metal, esp the green oxidation of bronze or copperSee also verdigris (def. 1)
- any fine layer on a surfacea patina of frost
- the sheen on a surface that is caused by much handling
Show More
Word Origin
C18: from Italian: coating, from Latin: patina ²
patina2
- a broad shallow dish used in ancient Rome
Show More
Word Origin
from Latin, from Greek patanē platter
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for patina
n.
"greenish film on old bronze," 1748, from French patine (18c.), from Italian patina, perhaps from Latin patina "dish, pan" (see pan (n.)), on the notion of encrustation on ancient bronze dishes. Sense of "refinement, cultural sophistication" first recorded 1933.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper