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patina

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

patina

Main Entry:: pa·ti·na
Pronunciation:: \pə-ˈtē-nə, ˈpa-tə-nə\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural pa·ti·nas \-nəz\ or pa·ti·nae \-ˌnē, -ˌnī\
Etymology:: Italian, from Latin, shallow dish — more at paten
Date:: 1748

1 a: a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color b: a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use2: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character3: a superficial covering or exterior

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