rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymatteNonreflective finish
adjective / noun

matte

MAT/mæt/

A flat surface finish with little or no shine.

The front bowl has a matte surface with little shine.

Two identical dark-green ceramic bowls contrast surface finishes: a dominant foreground bowl has a flat, nonshiny matte surface, while a smaller bowl behind it has conspicuous glossy reflections.
Etymology
matteFrenchdull; lusterless

French mat described a dull or 'dead' surface: the relevant quality is its lack of luster. This survives in matte for a nonshiny finish, while the French word's deeper origin remains uncertain.

In context

Reynard Lowell5:28
Mix matte with a touch of sheen or rough with smooth surfaces. The tension gives the room life without shouting for attention.
The 3 Layers That Make Any Living Room Look HIGH-END

More examples

  • The paper has a smooth matte surface.
  • A matte reduces distracting reflections.
  • The photographer preferred matte prints.

Forms

matte · mattes

Similar words

flat
Flat is a common equivalent for a nonshiny finish; matte is the established surface-description term.
glossy
Glossy reflects bright highlights; matte has little surface shine.