matte

Etymology

Borrowed from French mat.

noun

1. (art, photography) A decorative border around a picture used to inset and center the contents of a frame.
   The image is a perfect square of 8 cm (with white matte border the total dimensions are 14 cm tall by 11 cm wide).
2. (film) A background, often painted or created with computers
   Matte painting is a tool that filmmakers can use to create a scene that is impossible to achieve with conventional cinematographic means.
3. (pyrometallurgy) The molten metal sulfide phases typically formed during smelting of copper, nickel, and other base metals.

adj

1. (American spelling) Dull; not reflective of light.
   Flat or matte paint allows a deep color expression on the walls while also hiding flaws that may be inherent on the painted surface.
   a matte lipstick