noun

patina

PAT-in-uh

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Patina (noun) means a thin green or brown film that forms on the surface of copper, bronze or brass after long exposure to the air. Example: “The statue has developed a soft green patina over the last century.”

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."

"Collectors pay more for a bronze with an original patina."

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."

An impression or quality that covers something superficially, especially one of age, respectability or glamour.

"The firm's charitable donations gave it a patina of respectability."

How to use patina

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe surface layer or glow that something gets from being old.

When to use it

Neutral in the literal senses. In the figurative sense it usually implies the quality is only skin-deep.

Memory tip

Plural is usually patinas; patinae also exists but sounds fussy. Stress the first syllable in British English.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

verdigris → varnish → veneer →

Common pairings

green patina develop a patina patina of age patina of respectability

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “patina” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The statue has developed a soft green _____ over the last century.

Etymology

From Italian patina meaning 'coating' or 'film', from Latin patina, a shallow dish or pan.

Origin: Italian

Synonyms

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verdigris tarnish oxidation glow sheen lustre veneer gloss overlay facade

Related words

face light front beautiful cover color comment burn

Rhymes for patina

Ina mina gina Tina Dina nina fina Lina Zina Rina China Elina

See all rhymes for patina →

Frequently asked questions

Is patina the same as rust?

No. Rust is iron oxide, it flakes away and keeps eating into the metal underneath. Patina on copper or bronze is a stable layer that actually protects the metal below, which is why the Statue of Liberty is green rather than crumbling.

Is patina good or bad on antiques?

On antiques it is usually prized, because it is evidence of genuine age and cannot easily be faked. Stripping or over-polishing an original patina can wipe a large amount off a piece's value.

How do you pronounce patina?

Most British speakers say PAT-in-uh with the stress on the first syllable. Some American speakers say puh-TEE-nuh; both are accepted.

What is the meaning of patina?

"patina" (noun) means a thin green or brown film that forms on the surface of copper, bronze or brass after long exposure to the air.

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