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October 22, 2016 Word of the Day

mask /ˈmɑːsk/ noun
mask
/ˈmɑːsk/
noun

plural masks

The children are wearing masks and capes.
The children are wearing masks and capes.
Definition of MASK

[count]

1 : a covering for your face or for part of your face: such as

a : a covering used to hide or disguise your face

  • a Halloween mask

  • Everyone wore costumes and masks to the dance.

  • The robbers wore masks.

b : a covering used to protect your face or cover your mouth

  • Doctors wear surgical masks in the operating room.

  • a (baseball) catcher's mask

— see picture at SCUBA DIVING; see also FACE MASK, GAS MASK, OXYGEN MASK, SKI MASK

2 : a way of appearing or behaving that is not true or real — usually singular

  • Her anger and resentment were hidden behind a mask of friendship. [=she pretended to be friendly but was really angry and resentful]

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