matte meaning: definition, etymology

matte

noun

/mæt/

Etymology Borrowed from French mat.

Art, Arts, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Photography A decorative border around a picture used to inset and center the contents of a frame.

The image is a perfect square of 8 cm (with white matte border the total dimensions are 14 cm tall by 11 cm wide).

Broadcasting, Film, Media, Television A background, often painted or created with computers

Matte painting is a tool that filmmakers can use to create a scene that is impossible to achieve with conventional cinematographic means.

The molten metal sulfide phases typically formed during smelting of copper, nickel, and other base metals.

An instrument for producing a dull, lustreless surface.

adj

Etymology Borrowed from French mat.

US Dull; not reflective of light.

Flat or matte paint allows a deep color expression on the walls while also hiding flaws that may be inherent on the painted surface.
a matte lipstick

verb

Etymology Borrowed from French mat.

To produce a dull, lustreless surface on (metal).