patina
10 synonyms for patina, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A thin green or brown film that forms on the surface of copper, bronze or brass after long exposure to the air.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A thin green or brown film that forms on the surface of copper, bronze or brass after long exposure to the air.
“The statue has developed a soft green patina over the last century.”
2. noun
The sheen or mellow surface that furniture, leather or stone acquires from age, handling and polishing.
“Decades of use gave the oak table a deep patina.”
How to use patina
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral in the literal senses. In the figurative sense it usually implies the quality is only skin-deep.
Etymology
From Italian patina meaning 'coating' or 'film', from Latin patina, a shallow dish or pan.
Full origin of patina →