Facepiece

/ˈfeɪsˌpiːs/ noun

Definition

The part of a helmet, gas mask, or protective equipment that covers the face; the facial portion of a larger apparatus.

Etymology

Compound of 'face' and 'piece' (from Old French 'piece'). Term became standardized in military and industrial safety contexts in the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Gas masks and riot gear have facepieces that look almost alien—removing someone's facepiece is often a symbolic act of dehumanization in dystopian fiction, showing how covering the face affects how we see someone's identity.

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