Matte
matte (mat), n. (F.matte; cf. F. mat, masc., matte, fem., faint,
dull, dim; -- said of metals. See Mate checkmate.)
1. (Metallurgy) A partly reduced copper
sulphide, obtained by alternately roasting and melting copper ore in
separating the metal from associated iron ores, and called coarse
metal, fine metal, etc., according to the grade of
fineness. On the exterior it is dark brown or black, but on a fresh
surface is yellow or bronzy in color.
2. A dead or dull finish, as in gilding where
the gold leaf is not burnished, or in painting where the surface is
purposely deprived of gloss.
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