patina

noun

pa·​ti·​na pə-ˈtē-nə  ˈpa-tə-nə 

plural patinas pə-ˈtē-nəz 

ˈpa-tə-nəz

or patinae pə-ˈtē-ˌnē 

-ˌnī,

ˈpa-tə-

1

a

: a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color

b

: a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use

the beautiful patina of this antique table

2

: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character

the criminal has acquired a patina of respectability by his friendship with well-known businessmen

3

: a superficial covering or exterior

The toast was spread with a patina of butter.

Did you know?

When Italians began using patina in the 17th century to refer to the green film that forms on the surface of copper, they were drawing on Latin, in which patina means "a shallow dish." (Presumably, the Italian meaning developed from the observation of such film forming on copper dishes.) By the mid-18th century, English speakers were also calling the green film patina, and by the 20th century, they'd expanded the word's application to surface appearances of things that have grown more beautiful with age or use—think of an old wooden desk or a tarnished silver goblet. Use of the word to refer to thin layers both literal and figurative ("a patina of grime," "a patina of respectability") followed soon after.

Synonyms

• air
• ambience
• ambiance
• aroma
• atmosphere
• aura
• climate
• flavor
• halo
• karma
• mood
• nimbus
• note
• odor
• smell
• temper
• vibration(s)

Examples of patina in a Sentence

although the winery is brand-new, it has been constructed and decorated to give it a patina of old-world quaintness

Recent Examples on the Web

The prohibition against soap comes from a time when all soap was made with lye, which could eat through a patina in minutes. —Julia Moskin, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024

There is a knowing, winky David Lynchian patina to her music and her persona. —Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024

The Trellis chandelier, made from wrought iron, was finished in the soft brass patina called Cupertino. —Vicki Payne, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

A little patina on original designs offers a certain vintage charm. —Andrea Darr, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024

Our patina team in Berlin cast the buttons for us and handpainted the buttons. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023

There’s an unreality to the beauty here that adds to the fantasy patina. —Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024

Here, an antique Provencal farmhouse dining table acted as inspiration—an old-world patina wood story is woven throughout the space. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024

For a more playful take, consider interior designer Amy Howard’s Toscana Milk Paint line—inspired by patina found on European antiques, the line spans milky greens, light grays, and pink and yellow hues. —Amanda Lauren, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin, shallow dish — more at paten

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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