I. ˈmask noun
Etymology: Middle French masque, from Old Italian maschera
Date: 1534
1.
a.
(1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise
(2) : a person wearing a mask : masker
b.
(1) : a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice
(2) : a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals
c. : an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone)
d. : a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold
2.
a. : something that serves to conceal or disguise : pretense , cloak
aware of the mask s, facades and defenses people erect to protect themselves — Kenneth Keniston
b. : something that conceals from view
c. : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph
d. : a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)
3.
a. : a protective covering for the face
b. : gas mask
c. : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalation
d. : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infective material
e. : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
4.
a. : the head or face of an animal (as a fox or dog)
b. : an area (as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring
II. verb
Date: circa 1562
intransitive verb
1. : to take part in a masquerade
2.
a. : to assume a mask
b. : to disguise one's true character or intentions
transitive verb
1. : to provide or conceal with a mask: as
a. : to conceal from view
mask a gun battery
b. : to make indistinct or imperceptible
mask s undesirable flavors
c. : to cover up
mask ed his real purpose
2. : to cover for protection
3. : to modify the size or shape of (as a photograph) by means of an opaque border
Synonyms: see disguise
• mask·like -ˌlīk adjective