Definition of patina

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pat·i·na²

, p

-t

) KEY also pa·tine (p

-t

) KEY

NOUN:

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.

ETYMOLOGY:
Italian, from Latin, plate (from the incrustation on ancient metal plates and dishes) ; see paten

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