mask
mask (măsk)n. 1. A covering worn on the face to conceal one's identity, as: a. A covering, as of cloth, that has openings for the eyes, entirely or partly conceals the face, and is worn especially at a masquerade ball. b. A grotesque or comical representation of a face, worn especially to frighten or amuse, as at Halloween. c. A facial covering worn for ritual. d. A figure of a head worn by actors in Greek and Roman drama to identify a character or trait and to amplify the voice. 2. a. A protective covering for the face or head. b. A gas mask. c. A usually rubber frame forming a watertight seal around the eyes and nose and containing a transparent covering for use in seeing underwater. d. A covering for the nose and mouth that is used for inhaling oxygen or an anesthetic. e. A covering worn over the nose and mouth, as by a surgeon or dentist, to prevent infection. 3. a. A mold of a person's face, often made after death. b. An often grotesque representation of a head and face, used for ornamentation. 4. The face or facial markings of certain animals, such as foxes or dogs. 5. A face having a blank, fixed, or enigmatic expression. 6. Something, often a trait, that disguises or conceals: “If ever I saw misery under a mask, it was on her face” (Erskine Childers). 7. A natural or artificial feature of terrain that conceals and protects military forces or installations. 8. a. An opaque border or pattern placed between a source of light and a photosensitive surface to prevent exposure of specified portions of the surface. b. The translucent border framing a television picture tube and screen. 9. Computer Science. A pattern of characters, bits, or bytes used to control the elimination or retention of another pattern of characters, bits, or bytes. 10. A cosmetic preparation that is applied to the face and allowed to dry before being removed, used especially for cleansing and tightening the skin. 11. Variant of masque. 12. A person wearing a mask.v. masked, mask·ing, masksv. tr. 1. To cover with a decorative or protective mask. 2. To make indistinct or blurred to the senses: spices that mask the strong flavor of the meat. 3. To cover in order to conceal, protect, or disguise. See Synonyms at disguise. 4. To block the view of: Undergrowth masked the entrance to the cave. 5. To cover (a part of a photographic film) by the application of an opaque border. 6. Chemistry. To prevent (an atom or a group of atoms) from taking part in a normal reaction.v. intr. 1. To put on a mask, especially for a masquerade ball. 2. To conceal one's real personality, character, or intentions. [French masque, from Italian maschera, from Medieval Latin masca, specter, witch, mask.] maskʹa·ble adj.
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