English vocabulary · B2
Patina
/ˈpæt.ɪ.nə/ · n.
It means a thin layer that forms on a surface over a long time.
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Example sentences
- The old bronze statue had a beautiful green patina.
- The table had a rich patina from years of use.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- patina — flat dish (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- tarnish (a surface loses its shine with age)
- aging (signs of time show on a surface)
- finish (the outer layer adds character and texture)
Lesson notes
Patina. It means a thin layer that forms on a surface over a long time. It shows age and history.
Similar words are tarnish, aging, and finish. Use patina when a surface has changed color slowly over many years.
The old bronze statue had a beautiful green patina. The table had a rich patina from years of use.
From Latin. Patina means flat dish. Flat dish to flat layer: an aged coating on a surface. That is patina.