muffle

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to make a sound quieter or less distinct, especially by covering its source

   Heavy curtains helped muffle the noise from the street.

2. 2
   verb

   to wrap or cover someone or something for warmth, protection, or concealment

   He muffled his face in a scarf before stepping into the snow.

3. 3
   noun

   an enclosed chamber in a kiln or furnace that shields material from direct flame or combustion gases

   The ceramic samples were heated inside the furnace muffle.

From Middle English muflen, probably a shortening of Old French enmoufler ("to wrap up"), related to moufle ("thick glove or mitten"). The sound sense developed from covering something so that its noise became less clear.

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