pat·i·na 2 (pāt'n-ə, pə-tē'nə) n. A thin greenish layer, usually basic copper sulfate, that forms on copper or copper alloys, such as bronze, as a result of corrosion. The sheen on any surface, produced by age and use. A change in appearance produced by long-standing behavior, practice, or use: a face etched with a patina of fine lines and tiny wrinkles.
[Italian, from Latin, plate (from the incrustation on ancient metal plates and dishes); see paten.] |