mascara

noun mas-KAH-rah Rare

Origin: Italian 'maschera' (mask)

Usage Note

Mascara is a masculine noun in French, as are most cosmetic product names. You would say du mascara or un mascara waterproof. The related French word mascarade (masquerade) shares the same Italian root but has taken a figuratively negative meaning of a sham or farce.

Examples

"Elle a mis du mascara avant de sortir."

Natural Translation

She put on mascara before going out.

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