masking

[ mas-king, mah-sking ]

noun

1. backing ( def 4 ).
2. Psychology. obscuring, partially or completely, one sensory process by another, as the dulling of the sense of taste by smoking.

masking

/ ˈmɑːskɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or practice of masking
2. psychol the process by which a stimulus (usually visual or auditory) is obscured by the presence of another almost simultaneous stimulus

Other Words From

• un·masking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of masking¹

First recorded in 1920–25; mask + -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

"Our innovative approach significantly reduces the masking effects of highly abundant plasma proteins, which often hinder the detection of critical biomarkers in human plasma," Mahmoudi explained.

From Science Daily

“Because autism presents itself differently in females, a lot of times they can use masking techniques to elude being diagnosed,” Ohora explains.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s more of an “opening” rather than a changing or masking.

From Los Angeles Times

While he may appear calm and confident during the dance performances, McCausland said he was "good at masking fear" because it is actually "terrifying to do this on live TV with no previous experience".

From BBC

In August, Drake directed chancellors of all 10 campuses to strictly enforce rules against encampments, protests that block pathways and masking that shields identities amid sharp calls to stop policy violations during demonstrations.

From Los Angeles Times