patina

pa·ti·na

noun \pə-ˈtē-nə, ˈpa-tə-nə\

plural pa·ti·nas \-nəz\ or pa·ti·nae \-ˌnē, -ˌnī\

Definition of PATINA

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

2

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

3

: a superficial covering or exterior

Examples of PATINA

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

Origin of PATINA

Italian, from Latin, shallow dish — more at paten

First Known Use: 1748

Related to PATINA

Synonyms

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

Related Words

aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit; attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait; color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

assay, bloom, bullion, ductile, ingot, malleable, plate, temper, tensile

Rhymes with PATINA

arena, Athena, Bernina, cantina, catena, Christina, coquina, corbina, corvina, czarina, dracaena, euglena, farina, fontina, galena, Georgina, hyena, kachina, marina, Marina, medina, Medina, novena, piscina, platina, retsina, sestina, Shechinah, subpoena, verbena