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

Their protective patina, sealants, and coatings can be damaged due to the high-pressure cleaning process. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024

By Ali Breland One of Donald Trump’s signature rhetorical moves—and there are many—is wrapping his most heinous and controversial public statements in the faintest patina of ambiguity. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024

If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024

For example, add a beautiful wood cocktail table that is wire-brushed or hand-scraped with an interesting stain or patina that reveals a deep grain rather than a stark and contemporary lacquer. —Christina Cush, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 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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