patina
noun
A green or brown film on the surface of bronze or copper produced by oxidation over time; a sheen or appearance on a surface that develops with age or use.
Etymology
From Italian "patina" (shallow dish, coating), from Latin "patina" (pan, dish). The connection may relate to the discoloration of cooking vessels over time.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The bronze statue had developed a beautiful green patina over centuries."
- 2.
"The antique furniture bore a rich patina that new pieces couldn't replicate."
- 3.
"His stories had a patina of authenticity that came from lived experience."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The Statue of Liberty's iconic green color comes from patina. When installed in 1886, she was the color of a shiny penny. The copper's natural oxidation over 20 years produced the familiar verdigris coating.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 6 letters (P, A, T, I, N, A)
Scrabble Value: 8 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "PATINA" appears in many related words.
Put Your Vocabulary to the Test!
Ready to find words like "patina" in a puzzle? Try today's Zabble challenge!