noun
patina
puh-TEE-nuh/pəˈtiːnə/
A surface quality that develops through age, use, or experience.
A green patina covers the aged bronze vessel except at its rubbed edge.
Etymology
Italian patina underlies the English name for the greenish crust on old bronze. This specific coating later supplied a broader term for surface textures on decorative objects, including the sheen associated with age.
In context
it has a natural ability to develop patina especially in a lighter color like this natural shell bugs here the lighter shell colors get darker and more golden brown over time
More examples
- Daily handling gives the wooden banister a smooth patina.
- Polishing too often can remove the brass lamp's mellow patina.
- Decades of diplomacy give his manners a patina of sophistication.
Forms
patina · patinas