■ noun
1》 a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, for protection or hygiene, or for theatrical effect.
↘a respirator used to filter inhaled air or to supply gas for inhalation.
↘a face pack.
2》 a likeness of a person's face moulded or sculpted in clay or wax.
↘the face or head of an animal, especially of a fox, as a hunting trophy.
3》 a disguise or pretence: she let her ~ of respectability slip.
4》 Photography a piece of material used to cover part of an image that is not required when exposing a print.
5》 Electronics a patterned metal film used in the manufacture of microcircuits to allow selective modification of the underlying material.
■ verb
1》 cover with a ~.
2》 conceal from view; disguise: brandy did not ~ the bitter taste.
3》 cover so as to protect during a particular process, especially painting.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~er noun
Origin
C16: from Fr. masque , from Ital. maschera , mascara , prob. from med. L. masca 'witch, spectre', but influenced by Arab. masḵara 'buffoon'.