Definition of "veil" in English

noun

1. Something hung up or spread out to hide or protect the face, or hide an object from view; usually of gauze, crepe, or similar diaphanous material.

2. (figurative) Anything that partially obscures a clear view.

3. A cover; disguise; a mask; a pretense.

4. A covering for a person or thing; as, a caul (especially over the head)

   • a nun's veil
   • a paten veil
   • an altar veil

5. (biology) The calyptra of mosses.

6. (zoology) velum (A circular membrane round the cap of a medusa).

7. (mycology) A thin layer of tissue which is attached to or covers a mushroom.

8. (mycology) A membrane connecting the margin of the pileus of a mushroom with the stalk; a velum.

9. An obscuration of the clearness of the tones in pronunciation.

10. (figurative, parapsychology) That which separates the living and the spirit world.

verb

1. (transitive) To dress in, or decorate with, a veil.

2. (transitive) To conceal as with a veil.

   • The forest fire was veiled by smoke, but I could hear it clearly.