matt

adj. describing a surface that is dull and does not reflect light.

adj. having a dull or lustreless surface that does not reflect light. Often used in the context of paint, photography, or paper.

“She chose a matt finish for the bedroom walls to avoid a bright glare.”

“The photographer preferred printing on matt paper to ensure the deep blacks of the portrait were not obscured by surface reflections.”

British English

n. a painted or digital background used in films to make it look like the actors are in a different place.

n. a mask or background, traditionally painted on glass but now usually digital, used to combine two or more image elements into a single final image.

“The old sci-fi movie used a matt painting to show the alien city.”

“Modern visual effects artists often use digital mattes to extend physical sets, creating vast landscapes that would be impossible to build.”

Technical

n. a short form of the male name Matthew.

n. a common diminutive or hypocorism of the male given name Matthew.

“My friend Matthew usually goes by Matt at school.”

“Matt was appointed as the lead developer for the project due to his extensive experience with legacy systems.”

Informal

v. to make a surface look dull or not shiny.

v. to produce a dull, lustreless surface on a material, particularly metal or glass.

“The craftsman worked to matt the silver so it looked antique.”

“The specification required the contractor to matt the stainless steel panels to reduce the building's impact on the surrounding environment.”

Technical