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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Netflix’s adaptation faithfully renders this concern for the quotidian, albeit with a more stylish patina. —

Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024 The custom cabinets were inspired by the plaster finish on a piece of furniture the creative saw in France, but designed to last in a kitchen being used by a young family and patina over time. —

Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024 Materials that Patina Well When thinking in terms of design longevity and practical durability, Mathews suggests buying things that patina well. —

Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024 My navy blazer, white shirt and khakis would otherwise have felt rather staid and unadventurous (at least for me), but the texture, color, and patina of my polo belt felt apropos. —

Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patina