patina

Everyday

1. A patina is a thin green or brown layer that forms on copper, bronze and some other metals over time, like on the Statue of Liberty. tree →
2. A patina is the soft shine or worn look that old wood, leather or stone gets from age and use. tree →
3. (figurative) A patina is a thin outer look: «a patina of calm». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons the green patina on copper shows a chemical reaction with air and water (copper corrodes to form copper carbonate and other compounds). The Statue of Liberty was brown copper and turned green in about 30 years. In art and antiques patina makes old things valued. Phrases: «green patina», «a patina of age».

Examples

• The Statue of Liberty is green because of its copper patina. tree →
• The old church roof has a green patina. tree →
• The wooden handrail had a shiny patina from many hands. tree →
• The bronze statue developed a patina over the years. tree →
• Polishing would remove the coin's patina. tree →
• Beneath a patina of calm, she was very nervous. tree →

Note

Countable. Said «PAT-in-uh» (UK) or «puh-TEE-nuh» (US). Patina is not dirt; on bronze and copper it can protect the metal underneath.