patina

/pəˈtinə/

/ˈpʌtinə/

Other forms: patinas; patinae

If you have an old bronze sculpture with a surface that has oxidized and turned green or brown, that coating is called a patina. A patina can appear on anything made of metal.

A patina can also be the shiny surface on wooden furniture that you get after years and years of polishing. You can also use the word in a metaphorical sense, to describe somebody who has acquired some surface character that doesn't go very deep — like the tycoon who has a patina of sophistication but only pretends to be interested in art and literature.

Definitions of patina

1. noun

   a fine coating of oxide on the surface of a metal
   types:

   verdigris

   a green patina that forms on copper or brass or bronze that has been exposed to the air or water for long periods of time

   type of:

   coat, coating

   a thin layer covering something
2. noun

   a sheen or gloss on a surface, especially resulting from use or age
   type of:

   burnish, gloss, glossiness, polish

   the property of being smooth and shiny
3. noun

   a thin or superficial layer on the surface of something
   type of:

   coat, coating

   a thin layer covering something
4. noun

   a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
   synonyms: air, atmosphere, aura

   types:

   mystique

   an aura of heightened value or interest or meaning surrounding a person or thing

   note

   a characteristic emotional quality

   vibe, vibration

   a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively

   type of:

   quality

   an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone