Facemask: meaning, definitions and examples

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facemask

 

[ ˈfeɪsˌmɑ sk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

health protection

A facemask is a protective covering worn over the nose and mouth to prevent the inhalation of harmful substances or to stop the spread of infections. Facemasks are commonly used in medical settings, during pandemics, or in environments with poor air quality.

Synonyms

face covering, mask, respirator

Examples of usage

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a facemask became mandatory in many public spaces.
  • Healthcare workers often wear facemasks to protect themselves from airborne pathogens.
  • Facemasks can also be used in construction sites to filter out dust and debris.
Context #2 | Noun

cosmetic use

In cosmetic terms, a facemask refers to a facial beauty product applied to the skin, designed to cleanse, hydrate, or treat specific skin concerns. These masks come in various forms, including creams, sheets, and peels.

Synonyms

beauty mask, facial mask, skin mask

Examples of usage

  • I like to use a hydrating facemask once a week to keep my skin moisturized.
  • Sheet facemasks have become popular for their convenience and effectiveness.
  • Clay facemasks are great for absorbing excess oil from the skin.

Translations

Translations of the word "facemask" in other languages:

🇵🇹 máscara facial

🇮🇳 फेसमास्क

🇩🇪 Gesichtsmaske

🇮🇩 masker wajah

🇺🇦 маска для обличчя

🇵🇱 maska na twarz

🇯🇵 フェイスマスク

🇫🇷 masque facial

🇪🇸 mascarilla facial

🇹🇷 yüz maskesi

🇰🇷 페이스 마스크

🇸🇦 قناع الوجه

🇨🇿 obličejová maska

🇸🇰 tvárová maska

🇨🇳 面膜

🇸🇮 obražna maska

🇮🇸 andlitsmaski

🇰🇿 бет маскасы

🇬🇪 სახის ნიღაბი

🇦🇿 üz maskası

🇲🇽 máscara facial

Etymology

The term 'facemask' is a compound word derived from 'face' and 'mask'. The word 'face' comes from Middle English 'face', which is derived from Old French 'face' and ultimately from Latin 'facies', meaning appearance or form. The word 'mask', on the other hand, has its origins in the Middle French 'masque', which is believed to have been derived from the Arabic 'mashq', meaning 'to cover'. The combination of these two words began to gain prominence especially in the 20th century with the rise of medical practices and later during global health crises like the influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. This solidified the importance of facemasks not only in medical settings but also within the context of personal health care and beauty treatments.