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photomask

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˈfoʊtəˌmæsk//

KK: /ˈfoʊtəˌmæsk/

noun
Definition

A special type of mask used in the process of creating microcircuits, which allows light to pass through specific patterns to transfer images onto a surface.


Example

The engineer carefully aligned the photomask with the silicon wafer to ensure accurate pattern transfer.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever worked with a photomask in your projects?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but I've heard they're crucial for making circuits.
Sloth A
Yeah, they help transfer patterns onto the surface of the chips.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about how they work.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mask
template
stencil
Antonyms
blank
void
empty
Root Explanation

Photomask → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "mask" (from Old French "masque", meaning a covering or disguise). The word "photomask" refers to a mask used in photolithography to project light patterns onto a surface.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') being used to create patterns on a 'mask' — that's how a photomask works in technology.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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