Search results for 'mask':

mask noun 1 a any covering for the face or for part of the face, worn for amusement, protection or as a disguise, which is often painted and decorated • Hallowe'en mask. b a covering for the mouth and nose, such as an oxygen mask, or a surgical mask worn by surgeons, nurses, etc to reduce the spread of infection. 2 a pretence; anything that disguises the truth, eg false behaviour • a mask of light-heartedness. 3 a moulded or sculpted cast of someone's face • death-mask. 4 a cosmetic face pack. 5 photog see under masking. verb (masked, masking) 1 to put a mask on someone or something. 2 to disguise, conceal or cover • Find something to mask the smell. 3 to protect something with a mask, or as if with a mask, from some effect or process. 4 (usually mask as something or someone) intrans to masquerade, or be disguised as, it or them. masked adj 1 wearing, concealed or protected by a mask. 2 for or with people wearing masks • masked ball. masker noun.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c as masque: French, from Spanish máscara or Italian maschera a mask or disguise.