[pa.ti.na] n, pl pa.ti.nas or pa.ti.nae [It, fr. L, shallow dish--more at paten] (1748) 1 a: a usu. 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 esp. with age or use
2: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character
3: a superficial covering or exterior