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-

Synonyms of patina next

: 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

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

the beautiful patina of this antique table

: 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

: 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.

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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Much like directors Veronika Franz's and Severin Fiala's earlier film, Goodnight Mommy, The Lodge takes a relatively straightforward story and energizes it with a slick nihilism that lends it the patina of the best downbeat horrors from the 1970s. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Leather is said to last four times longer than a fabric sofa, not to mention the patina of aged leather is currently in vogue. —

Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024 Rooms furnished with statement antiques and light fixtures show Wolfe probably appreciated the patina of the unique house. —

Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2024 Their protective patina, sealants, and coatings can be damaged due to the high-pressure cleaning process. —

Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patina