What does patinate mean?
Patinate is a specialist adjective and verb associated with a patina, the thin film, altered coloration, or oxidized layer that develops on metals such as bronze and copper. As an adjective, patinate describes a surface that bears such a patina; as a transitive verb, it means to give something a patina, whether naturally or through a deliberate treatment. It can also be used intransitively for a metal to acquire a patina over time. The word is especially relevant in conservation, metallurgy, sculpture, and the description of antique or decorative objects. Copper roofing is a familiar example, since it gradually changes through oxidation into shades that may range from brown to green. Patinate is more common in technical contexts than in general speech, and its derived form “patinated” appears much more frequently. Recognising the word is useful because patina describes a valued surface effect rather than simply damage or deterioration.
Having or covered with a patina, especially an altered or oxidized surface film on metal.
"The patinate surface of the old bronze catches the light."
Used chiefly in specialist descriptions of metal, artworks, and decorative objects.
To give a patina to something, especially a metal surface; also, intransitively, to develop a patina.
"Over time, the copper naturally patinates into shades of green."
The transitive use may describe a deliberate surface treatment, while the intransitive use commonly describes natural oxidation or weathering.
Copper can “patinate” into shades of green—and the same word can describe the finished surface.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patinate come from?
The English word derives from Latin patina, which was used for a shallow dish and also for a film or coating on metal. Paten is a cognate English noun associated with a metal dish or church plate, while patella was formed in Latin as a diminutive of patina referring to a small dish. English patinate developed from patina in the sense of forming or bearing a metallic surface coating.
Related word forms
How patinate is actually used
Chiefly specialist, especially in metallurgy, conservation, and the description of artworks. The inflected form “patinated” is much more common in ordinary writing than the bare form “patinate.”
Easily confused with patinate
Patina is the noun naming the surface film or coloration itself, while patinate is the adjective describing a surface that bears one and the verb for forming one.