An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Something that serves to cover or conceal.
   Electronics: A pattern used to control the configuration of conducting material deposited or etched onto a semiconductor chip.
   
2. Electronics: To override one signal with a stronger one.

Etymology (EN): From M.Fr. masque “covering to hide or guard the face,” from It. maschera, from M.L. masca “mask, specter, nightmare,” of uncertain origin.

Etymology (PE): 1) Mâsk, loan from Fr., as above; 2) with verb zadan “to make, to do,” originally “to strike, beat; to do; to play an instrument” (Mid.Pers. zatan, žatan; O.Pers./Av. jan-, gan- “to strike, hit, smite, kill” (jantar- “smiter”); cf.
Skt. han- “to strike, beat” (hantar- “smiter, killer”);
Gk. theinein “to strike;” L. fendere “to strike, push;” Gmc. *gundjo “war, battle;” PIE *g^when- “to strike, kill”).