matte
UK: mæt | US: mæt
adj. having a dull, non-reflective surface
n. a flat, dull finish or surface (e.g., in photography or painting)
The word "matte" originates from the French word "mat," meaning "dull" or "lifeless," which itself derives from the Latin "mattus" (softened or subdued). The silent "e" in English preserves the French spelling but does not alter pronunciation. The term evolved to describe surfaces that scatter light rather than reflect it sharply, commonly used in art, photography, and design.
The artist preferred a matte finish for her oil paintings to avoid glare.
This phone case has a smooth matte texture that resists fingerprints.
The photographer chose matte paper for the exhibition prints.
Matte lipstick has become trendy for its understated elegance.
The walls were painted in a warm matte beige.