pat·i·na / pəˈtēnə/ • n. a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period. ∎  a gloss or sheen on wooden furniture produced by age and polishing. ∎  an acquired change in the appearance of a surface: plankton added a golden patina to the shallow, slowly moving water. ∎ fig. an impression or appearance of something: he carries the patina of old money and good breeding.DERIVATIVES: pat·i·nat·ed / ˈpatnˌātid/ adj.pat·i·na·tion / ˌpatnˈāshən/ n.

patina film produced by alteration of the surface of bronze, marble, etc. XVIII. — It. — L. patina dish; see PATEN.