[mask] n [MF masque, fr. OIt maschera] (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 ~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 usu. darker coloring
[2]mask vi (ca. 1562) 1: to take part in a masquerade
2. a: to assume a mask b: to disguise one's true character or intentions ~ vt 1: to provide or conceal with a mask: as a: to conceal from view "~ a gun battery" b: to make indistinct or imperceptible "~s undesirable flavors" c: to cover up "~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 syn see disguise -- mask.like adj