: 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.
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 WebThat’s because these dials tend to have a gorgeous and warm patina. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2022 The Djinn’s dark-skinned presence — first smoke, then flesh — is brown, gold-tinged, black, blue, and iridescent with a sensual patina. Armond White, National Review, 7 Sep. 2022 The stylish furnishings have a patina of age that hints at the hotel’s rich history. Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Corten steel will form a beautiful patina over time and offers a more rustic look than stainless steel. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2022 The section has been carefully restored, but still bears the patina and battle damage of endurance racing. Brendan Mcaleer, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022 Among the most striking pieces: figures in bronze and cast-iron that react with the elements to form a warm, coppery patina. Katy Elliott, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 This reduces the running room for other state officials to file competing slates of electors with any patina of legitimacy. The Editors, National Review, 26 July 2022 Truly unique, the real copper outer nanocoat develops a patina over time (kind of like leather). Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2021 See More