{"word":"patina","date":"2026-09-11","partOfSpeech":"noun","pronunciation":"puh-TEE-nuh","definition":"a green layer that forms on copper and bronze exposed to air","example":"The town erected a statue in her honor, which over the years developed a seafoam green patina .","etymology":"The word patina comes from Latin, where it referred to a pan or dish, and is derived from the verb patere, meaning to spread out. The term entered English in the 18th century, initially referring to the green layer on ancient bronze statues, and later broadening to encompass similar effects on other metals.","source":"merriam-webster","sourceUrl":"https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/patina-2026-09-11","fetchedAt":"2026-09-11T19:30:56.222Z","cached":false}