Main Entry:

pa·ti·na

Pronunciation:

\pə-ˈtē-nə, ˈpa-tə-nə\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

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

Etymology:

Italian, from Latin, shallow dish — more at paten

Date:

1748

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 use2: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character3: a superficial covering or exterior