matte

plural mattes

1. artA 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).

   Synonyms: mat, matting, passe-partout

2. broadcastingA 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.

3. The molten metal sulfide phases typically formed during smelting of copper, nickel, and other base metals.
4. An instrument for producing a dull, lustreless surface.

comparative more matte · superlative most matte

1. USDull; not reflective of light.

   a matte lipstick

   1 more example

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

   Synonyms: matt, flat, bland, colourless, dim, dingy, dull, faint · Antonyms: glossy

present singular third person mattes · participle present matting · participle past matted · past matted

1. transitiveTo produce a dull, lustreless surface on (metal).