mask

[[t]mæsk, mɑsk[/t]]

n.

1) a covering for all or part of the face, worn to conceal one's identity

2) a grotesque or humorous false face:

party masks[/ex]

3) anything that disguises or conceals:

His politeness is a mask for anger[/ex]

4) a covering, as of wire or gauze, worn over all or part of the face for protection, as from dust, a pitched ball, or the spread of infection

5) a device worn over the mouth and nose, as to facilitate breathing

6) a likeness of a face

Compare death mask life mask

7) sbz a molded or carved covering for the face of an actor, representing the character portrayed, as in Greek drama

8) a protective shield, as of paper or plastic, used for covering an area of something, as of a photograph

9) clo a cosmetic preparation applied to the face to tighten, cleanse, or refresh the skin

10) an often grotesque representation of a face or head used as a decorative device

11) dch the dark shading on the muzzle of certain dogs

12) the face or head, as of a fox

13) elo a stencil applied to the surface of a semiconductor to permit selective etching or deposition

14) sbz

masque

15) to disguise; conceal:

to mask one's intentions[/ex]

16) to cover, conceal, or shield with a mask

17) to hinder, as an army, from conducting an operation

18) to put on a mask; disguise oneself

•

Etymology: 1525–35; < MF masque, perh. directly < It maschera mask, disguise