WordGarden.iopatina
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈætɪnə/
US
- /pəˈtinə/
Meanings
Noun
an aged surface layer or sheen on metal, wood, leather, or similar materials
an appearance of age, history, or legitimacy acquired over time
Beyond the definition
Imagine an old copper statue, green and softly shimmering. That is patina: a thin film or sheen that forms on metals such as copper or bronze over time as they are exposed to air and weather. But the word is not only about metal. It can also describe the rich, worn look that age and use give to things like leather, wood, or antique furniture. It is often seen as something attractive, a sign of history and character rather than simple damage.
Patina is more than just surface discoloration; it is a visible sign of time, use, and exposure. The word originally referred to the coating that develops on metals such as copper, bronze, and brass. Often this coating is greenish, as with the Statue of Liberty, and it forms slowly through chemical reactions with air, water, and other parts of the environment. In many cases, this layer is not simply decay; it can help protect the metal underneath.
Over time, the meaning broadened. Now, patina can also describe the attractive aged look that some objects gain through years of handling, polishing, weather, or wear. A leather jacket may develop a rich surface from long use. Antique furniture may gain a warm, softened look after decades of care. Wood, tools, and other well-used objects can all take on this sense of quiet age and character.
Collectors and craftspeople often value patina because it suggests authenticity, age, and a life well lived. A piece with good patina is not just old; it has aged in a way people find beautiful. Think of a vintage guitar, an old bronze sculpture, or an antique chair. The worn finish, softened color, or weathered surface may be part of what makes it appealing. In that sense, patina is not just a layer on the outside; it is the look of history made visible.
Examples
- 1
Copper roof
The old copper roof had developed a green patina.
- 2
Wood furniture
She loved the warm patina on the wooden table.
- 3
Leather furniture
The leather chair had acquired a soft patina from years of use.
- 4
Historic atmosphere
The small hotel kept its old tiles and brass lamps, giving the lobby a patina of history.
- Phrasea patina of history
a feeling of being old in an interesting or attractive way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
False respectability
The company tried to give the deal a patina of respectability.
- Phrasea patina of respectability
an appearance of being proper or acceptable, often hiding something worse
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- patinanoun
Forms
- patinaspluralnoun
- patinaepluralnoun