patina Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a fine coating of oxide on the surface of a metal

WordNet

Pat"ina noun
Etymology
It., fr. L. patina a dish, a pan, a kind of cake. Cf. Paten.
Definitions
  1. A dish or plate of metal or earthenware; a patella.
  2. (Fine Arts) The color or incrustation which age gives to works of art; especially, the green rust which covers ancient bronzes, coins, and medals. Fairholt.

Webster 1913