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matte
This term describes a visual quality characterized by the absence of specular reflection. It is frequently used in interior design and cosmetics to describe a surface that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a soft, muted appearance that often feels more modern or understated than a high-gloss finish. In technical fields like photography and cinematography, the term shifts from a description of texture to a functional tool. Here, it refers to a mask or a template used to isolate specific areas of an image, allowing for the seamless blending of different visual layers.
Meanings
Having a dull or flat finish without a shine or gloss.
"The walls were painted in a matte finish to hide the imperfections in the plaster."
A surface or finish that is not shiny or glossy.
"The artist chose a matte for the final varnish to avoid glare under the gallery lights."
A dull, non-reflective background used in photography or cinematography to mask out certain areas of an image.
"The visual effects team used a chroma key matte to replace the green screen with a futuristic cityscape."