visor

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a movable part of a helmet that covers and protects the face

   The knight lowered his visor before riding into the contest.

2. 2
   noun

   a transparent shield worn over the face for protection

   The laboratory technician wore a clear visor while handling the corrosive liquid.

3. 3
   noun

   a hinged panel inside a vehicle that can be lowered to block bright sunlight

   She pulled down the car's visor when the road turned toward the setting sun.

4. 4
   noun

   a stiff projecting brim worn above the eyes, either alone or as part of a cap

   The golfer adjusted her visor to shade her eyes before the shot.

From Middle English viser, through Anglo-French viser and Old French visiere ("visor"), from vis ("face, appearance"), ultimately Latin visus ("sight, look") from videre ("to see"). The helmet sense is medieval; the cap brim, eyeshade, vehicle panel, and clear face shield extend the idea of protecting the face or eyes.

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