patina

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a thin surface layer produced by oxidation or other chemical change, especially the green coating on aged copper or bronze

   Rain and air gradually formed a green patina on the bronze roof.

2. 2
   noun

   a surface color, sheen, or texture acquired through age, wear, handling, or deliberate treatment

   The restorer preserved the warm patina on the old ivory handle.

3. 3
   noun

   figurative: an appearance or quality that has developed over time or covers an underlying reality

   Years of ceremony gave the institution a patina of permanence.

Simplified etymology

Patina entered English in the mid-18th century through Italian from Latin patina, “dish.” Its use for the film that forms on an aged surface may have arisen from the green coating seen on old copper dishes.

Borrowed from Italian patina, 'surface film or coating,' from Latin patina, 'shallow dish or pan,' itself from Greek patane. Why the dish word acquired the coating sense is uncertain. English broadened the term from chemical layers on old objects to any valued finish or figurative aura produced by age.

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External links

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