When you hear 'patina' are you hearing English or Italian?

'Patina' is a word borrowed from Italian 'patina'. The word entered the English language some time around 1748.

patina [noun] [1748]

• a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often val...
• a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use
• an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character
• a superficial covering or exterior

See 'patina' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Italian.

Etymology: Italian, from Latin, shallow dish

See more loan words from 1700s.