Definition of mat

< mat

MAT >

mat²    (mt) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A decorative border placed around a picture to serve as a frame or provide contrast between the picture and the frame.
2. also matte
   1. A dull, often rough finish, as of paint, glass, metal, or paper.
   2. A special tool for producing such a surface or finish.
3. Printing See matrix.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
mat·ted, mat·ting, mats

1. To put a mat around (a picture).
2. To produce a dull finish on.

ADJECTIVE:
also matte

Having a dull finish.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From French, dull, from Old French, defeated, withered, perhaps from Latin mattus, stupefied, senseless, possibly from *maditus, past participle of madre, to be wet