helmet

(hel′mət)

noun

a protective covering for the head; specif.,
1. the headpiece of ancient or medieval armor
2. the metal head covering worn in modern warfare
3. the rigid head covering with inner padding and often a wire face mask used in football, lacrosse, and hockey
4. the mesh-faced mask used in fencing
5. the headpiece of a diver's suit, equipped with air tubes, glass windows, etc.
6. a fireman's protective hat
7. a pith hat with a wide brim, worn as a sunshade in hot countries
8. the rigid head covering worn by a motorcyclist
9. hard hat
something suggesting such a headpiece in appearance or function, as a galea of a flower

Origin: OFr, dim. of helme, helmet < Frank *helm: for IE base see helm

transitive verb

to cover or equip with a helmet

Related Forms:

See helmet in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A head covering of hard material, such as leather, metal, or plastic, worn by football players, firefighters, construction workers, motorcyclists, and others to protect the head.
b. The headgear with a glass mask worn by deep-sea divers.
c. A pith helmet; a topi.
d. A head covering, such as a balaclava, that is shaped like a helmet.
A piece of armor, usually made of metal, designed to protect the head.
Botany The hood-shaped sepal or corolla of some flowers.